Can you take reserpine 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.
Because no information is available on the use of reserpine during breastfeeding and it might adversely affect the breastfed infant, an alternate drug is preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Quoted from Reserpine — 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 reserpine. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much reserpine 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
Although not well documented, reserpine is said to cause nasal stuffiness and increased tracheobronchial secretions in breastfed infants.
Effects on milk supply
Reserpine has reportedly caused galactorrhea and has been used to increase breastmilk production, although it is obsolete for this use.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take reserpine while breastfeeding?
What the NIH's Drugs and Lactation Database says about Reserpine while breastfeeding — quoted in full. 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 reserpine while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Candesartan, Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Quinapril, Methyldopa, Nifedipine, 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 reserpine pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for reserpine are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking reserpine?
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 reserpine
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.