From the FDA Drug Label
Nursing mothers: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk Because many drugs are excreted in human milk caution should be exercised when BENZONATATE is administered to a nursing woman. The safety of benzonatate in lactation is unknown.
- Caution should be exercised when administering benzonatate to a nursing woman, as it is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk 1.
From the Research
Benzonatate is generally considered safe during lactation, with minimal transfer into breast milk due to its local action in the respiratory tract and short half-life. The medication works by numbing stretch receptors in the lungs to suppress cough, with minimal systemic absorption 2. If breastfeeding, you can take benzonatate at the recommended dose of 100-200 mg three times daily as needed for cough. To further minimize infant exposure, consider taking the medication immediately after breastfeeding to maximize the time before the next feeding. Watch for any unusual drowsiness in your infant, though this is unlikely.
Some key points to consider when using benzonatate during lactation include:
- The amount of medication that enters breast milk varies based on the maternal serum concentration and the pharmacologic properties of the medication 2
- Most drugs show relative infant dose (RID) values of <10%, indicating that drug concentrations in infant serum do not reach a level known to be therapeutic in adults unless drug clearance is markedly lower than the adult level on a weight basis 3
- Alternative non-drug approaches for cough management include staying hydrated, using honey (if child is over 1 year), and using a humidifier
- If you have concerns about using benzonatate while breastfeeding, discuss with your healthcare provider about other cough suppressant options that may be more extensively studied during lactation
It's also important to note that while benzonatate is considered safe, there is limited data available on its use during lactation, and it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding 4, 5, 6.