Can you take psyllium 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.
Few data are available on psyllium use during breastfeeding. However, the drug is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, so it cannot enter the breastmilk. Psyllium is acceptable to use during breastfeeding.
Quoted from Psyllium — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised May 17, 2021.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of psyllium. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
- Bisacodyl
- Docusate
- Magnesium Hydroxide
- Sodium Phosphate
- Linaclotide
- Lubiprostone
- Plecanatide
- Prucalopride
- Tenapanor
How much psyllium 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
Twenty postpartum mothers were given a laxative containing 2.7 grams of plantango (psyllium) and senna equivalent to 15 mg of sennosides a and b daily on days 2 to 4 postpartum. Of the 11 infants who were breastfed (extent not stated), none had any loose stools.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take psyllium while breastfeeding?
Few data are available on psyllium use 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 psyllium while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Bisacodyl, Docusate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Sodium Phosphate, Linaclotide, Lubiprostone, Plecanatide, Prucalopride, Tenapanor 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 psyllium pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for psyllium are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking psyllium?
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 psyllium
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.