Summary of Use during Lactation

Although not measured, the amounts of inhaled corticosteroids absorbed into the maternal bloodstream and excreted into breastmilk are probably too small to affect a breastfed infant. Expert opinion considers inhaled and oral corticosteroids acceptable to use during breastfeeding.[1,2]

Drug Levels

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.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

None reported with any corticosteroid. Three infants were breastfed for 6 months during maternal treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate by inhaler.[3]

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Budesonide

References

1.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood, Institute, et al. NAEPP expert panel report. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004:1-57. http://www​.nhlbi.nih​.gov/health/prof/lung/asthma/astpreg.htm. [PubMed: 15637545]

2.

Middleton PG, Gade EJ, Aguilera C, et al. ERS/TSANZ Task Force Statement on the management of reproduction and pregnancy in women with airways diseases. Eur Respir J. 2020;55:1901208. [PubMed: 31699837]

3.

Brown HM, Storey G. Treatment of allergy of the respiratory tract with beclomethasone dipropionate steroid aerosol. Postgrad Med J. 1975;51 Suppl 4:59–64. [PubMed: 1105520]

Substance Name

Beclomethasone

CAS Registry Number

4491-39-0

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Anti-Allergic Agents

Anti-Asthmatic Agents

Corticosteroids, Inhaled

Glucocorticoids

Anti-Inflammatory Agents