Can you take polythiazide 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 amount of polythiazide in breastmilk. Intense diuresis with large doses may decrease breastmilk production. Other diuretics in low doses are preferred over polythiazide.
Quoted from Polythiazide — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised July 15, 2024.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of polythiazide. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much polythiazide 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
Polythiazide 2 mg was given twice daily for 8 days beginning within 24 hours of delivery to suppress postpartum lactation. Patients also had breast binding for at least 10 days and fluid restriction. The authors reported that this technique was effective in 124 cases reviewed. There are no data on the effects of diuretics on established lactation.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take polythiazide while breastfeeding?
No information is available on the amount of polythiazide in breastmilk. 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 polythiazide while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide 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 polythiazide pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for polythiazide are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking polythiazide?
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 polythiazide
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.