Can you take orlistat 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.
Orlistat is poorly absorbed orally, but a small amount has been detected in the milk of one woman. It is unlikely that orlistat will be absorbed by the infant in amounts that would adversely affect the breastfed infant. Because it inhibits the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, mothers using it should take a multivitamin supplement at bedtime.
Quoted from Orlistat — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised April 19, 2021.
How much orlistat gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Orlistat was detected in the milk of one mother at a concentration of 2.3 ng/gram of milk. Because milk donors were anonymized in the study, it was not known if the mother was taking orlistat or at what dose.
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 was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take orlistat while breastfeeding?
Orlistat is poorly absorbed orally, but a small amount has been detected in the milk of one woman. 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.
Does orlistat pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for orlistat are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking orlistat?
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 orlistat
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.