Can you take pimecrolimus 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 pimecrolimus has not been studied during breastfeeding; however, it is used topically in children as young as 3 months of age. Because it is poorly absorbed after topical application and plasma concentrations after topical use in adults are less than 2 mcg/L, it is a low risk to the nursing infant. Ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Current guidelines allow topical pimecrolimus to be applied to the nipples just after nursing for eczema, with the nipples cleaned gently before nursing.
Quoted from Pimecrolimus — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised June 15, 2025.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of pimecrolimus. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much pimecrolimus 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 was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take pimecrolimus while breastfeeding?
Topical pimecrolimus has not been studied during breastfeeding; however, it is used topically in children as young as 3 months of age. 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 pimecrolimus while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Tacrolimus 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 pimecrolimus pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for pimecrolimus are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking pimecrolimus?
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 pimecrolimus
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.