From the FDA Drug Label
Nursing Mothers:Hyoscyamine sulfate is excreted in human milk Caution should be exercised when hyoscyamine sulfate is administered to a nursing woman. The answer to whether Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) is safe to use during breastfeeding is that caution should be exercised because it is excreted in human milk.
- Key points:
- Hyoscine butylbromide is excreted in human milk.
- Caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman. 1
From the Research
Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) is generally considered safe to use during breastfeeding. The medication is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally, with only about 8-10% reaching systemic circulation, which means very little would pass into breast milk 2. Additionally, hyoscine butylbromide has poor oral bioavailability, so even if small amounts do transfer to breast milk, it would be unlikely to affect the nursing infant significantly.
Some key points to consider when using Buscopan during breastfeeding include:
- Standard dosing for adults is typically 10-20 mg taken up to four times daily as needed for abdominal cramps or pain.
- It's always best to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms.
- Some mothers may notice a temporary reduction in milk supply while taking anticholinergic medications like Buscopan, though this effect is usually minimal 3.
- If you notice any unusual symptoms in your baby such as irritability, drowsiness, or feeding difficulties after taking Buscopan, contact your healthcare provider.
- Alternative non-medicinal approaches for managing abdominal cramps, such as heat therapy or gentle massage, might be considered before using medication when breastfeeding 4.
It's also important to note that the transfer of medications into breast milk depends on a concentration gradient that allows passive diffusion of nonionized, non-protein-bound drugs 5. However, Buscopan is not listed as a contraindicated medication during breastfeeding in the available guidelines 6.
Overall, the benefits of using Buscopan during breastfeeding outweigh the risks, and it can be a useful option for managing abdominal cramps or pain in breastfeeding mothers. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.