Can you take fenoldopam 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.
No information is available on the use of fenoldopam during breastfeeding. The manufacturer recommends avoiding breastfeeding during fenoldopam use; however, because of its poor oral bioavailability and short half-life, any fenoldopam in milk is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant. Also, fenoldopam can be given intravenously to infants. Unlike dopamine, it does not decrease serum prolactin concentrations and might not interfere with nursing.
Quoted from Fenoldopam — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised November 15, 2024.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of fenoldopam. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much fenoldopam 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
Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. Unlike dopamine, fenoldopam infusion does not affect serum prolactin concentration in normal women. The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take fenoldopam while breastfeeding?
No information is available on the use of fenoldopam 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 fenoldopam while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Candesartan, Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Quinapril, Hydralazine, Labetalol, Methyldopa, Propranolol 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 fenoldopam pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for fenoldopam are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking fenoldopam?
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 fenoldopam
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.