From the Guidelines
Breastfeeding women can safely use Flonase (fluticasone propionate) for nasal congestion, as it has minimal systemic absorption and is considered low-risk for the nursing infant. The medication is administered directly to the nasal passages, reducing inflammation and relieving congestion, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. According to the European Respiratory Journal study 1, Fluticasone is listed as "Compatible" for use during breastfeeding, indicating its safety for nursing mothers. When using Flonase while breastfeeding, it's essential to follow the standard dosing instructions: typically one to two sprays in each nostril once daily, though your healthcare provider may recommend a different regimen based on your specific symptoms. As with any medication during breastfeeding, it's always best to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control your symptoms, and consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Some key points to consider:
- Flonase is a corticosteroid that primarily works locally in the nose, reducing the risk to the nursing infant.
- The medication has minimal systemic absorption, which means very little of the drug enters the bloodstream and even less would pass into breast milk.
- The European Respiratory Journal study 1 provides guidance on the use of corticosteroids during breastfeeding, including Fluticasone.
- It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication while breastfeeding, to ensure the safest and most effective treatment for your symptoms.
In terms of safety, the American College of Rheumatology guideline 2 also emphasizes the importance of maintaining disease control with compatible medications during breastfeeding, and Flonase is considered a safe option for nursing mothers. However, it's crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of both the mother and the infant, and to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
From the FDA Drug Label
It is not known whether fluticasone propionate is excreted in human breast milk. However, other corticosteroids have been detected in human milk Subcutaneous administration to lactating rats of 10 mcg/kg of tritiated fluticasone propionate (less than the maximum recommended daily intranasal dose in adults on a mcg/m basis) resulted in measurable radioactivity in the milk Since there are no data from controlled trials on the use of intranasal fluticasone propionate by nursing mothers, caution should be exercised when Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP, is administered to a nursing woman
Breastfeeding women should exercise caution when taking fluticasone propionate nasal spray, as it is not known whether the drug is excreted in human breast milk. Although other corticosteroids have been detected in human milk, there are no controlled trials on the use of intranasal fluticasone propionate by nursing mothers 3. Caution is advised when administering fluticasone propionate to a nursing woman.
From the Research
Breastfeeding and Flonase Use
- There is limited research directly addressing the safety of Flonase (fluticasone propionate) use during breastfeeding for congestion.
- A study on the safety of fluticasone propionate during pregnancy found no increase in the overall risk of major congenital malformations after first-trimester exposure compared to non-fluticasone propionate inhaled corticosteroids 4.
- However, this study does not provide information on the safety of fluticasone propionate during breastfeeding.
- Another study investigated the effects of breastfeeding on child development, but it does not address the use of Flonase during breastfeeding 5.
- A third study examined the effects of inhaled fluticasone on airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is also not directly relevant to the safety of Flonase during breastfeeding 6.
- Given the lack of direct evidence, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for guidance on using Flonase while breastfeeding.