Can you take amantadine while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
It is probably best to avoid amantadine during breastfeeding because of its potential negative effect on lactation. An alternative medication is recommended.
Quoted from Amantadine — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised August 15, 2025.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of amantadine. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much amantadine gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Amantadine is a dopamine agonist. Clinical studies using amantadine dosages of 100 mg 2 or 3 times daily have demonstrated a decrease in serum prolactin and decreased galactorrhea in patients taking dopaminergic neuroleptic drugs such as phenothiazines, haloperidol and loxapine. No studies have been reported on the effects of amantadine on the milk supply in nursing mothers. The maternal prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take amantadine while breastfeeding?
It is probably best to avoid amantadine during breastfeeding because of its potential negative effect on lactation. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of amantadine while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Oseltamivir, Zanamivir as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does amantadine pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for amantadine are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking amantadine?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on amantadine
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.