Can you take clocortolone pivalate 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.
Topical clocortolone has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking. Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area.
Quoted from Clocortolone Pivalate — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised January 18, 2021.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of clocortolone pivalate. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
- Hydrocortisone, Topical
- Triamcinolone, Topical
How much clocortolone pivalate 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
Topical application of a corticosteroid with relatively high mineralocorticoid activity (isofluprednone acetate) to the mother's nipples resulted in prolonged QT interval, cushingoid appearance, severe hypertension, decreased growth and electrolyte abnormalities in her 2-month-old breastfed infant. The mother had used the cream since birth for painful nipples.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take clocortolone pivalate while breastfeeding?
Topical clocortolone has not been studied during breastfeeding. 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 clocortolone pivalate while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Hydrocortisone, Topical, Triamcinolone, Topical 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 clocortolone pivalate pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for clocortolone pivalate are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking clocortolone pivalate?
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 clocortolone pivalate
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.