The Basics
What is Baclofen?
A muscle relaxer and an antispasmodic agent.
Brand names for Baclofen
Kemstro
How Baclofen is classified
GABA Agonists, Muscle Relaxants (Central)
Baclofen During Pregnancy
Baclofen pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Baclofen while pregnant
N/A
Taking Baclofen While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Baclofen?
Limited information indicates that orally administered baclofen appears in low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. Monitor newborn infants for signs of sedation. Low intrathecal doses and topical application produce even lower milk levels and are unlikely to affect the nursing infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that orally administered baclofen appears in low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. Monitor newborn infants for signs of sedation. Low intrathecal doses and topical application produce even lower milk levels and are unlikely to affect the nursing infant.
Possible effects of Baclofen on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Baclofen
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Eriksson G, Swahn CG. Concentration of baclofen in serum and breast milk from a lactating woman. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 1981;41:185-7. PMID: 7313501
2. Lin HH, Barton N, Wiegand TJ. Baclofen distribution into breast milk-a potential for toxicity? J Med Toxicol. 2014;10:86. Abstract. DOI: doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0376-x
3. Hara T, Nakajima M, Sugano H et al. Pregnancy and breastfeeding during intrathecal baclofen therapy – A case study and review. NMC Case Rep J. 2018;5:65-8. PMID: 30023142
4. Moran LR, Almeida PG, Worden S et al. Intrauterine baclofen exposure: a multidisciplinary approach. Pediatrics. 2004;114:e267-9. PMID: 15286268
5. Lin HH, Barton N, Wiegand TJ. Prevention of neonatal abstinence syndrome in the setting of intrauterine baclofen exposure. J Med Toxicol. 2014;10:85-6. Abstract. DOI: doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0376-x
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
