The Basics
What is Solifenacin?
Used to treat overactive bladder.
Brand names for Solifenacin
Vesicare
How Solifenacin is classified
Muscarinic Antagonists, Parasympatholytics
Solifenacin During Pregnancy
Solifenacin 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 Solifenacin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Solifenacin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Solifenacin?
Because there is no published experience with solifenacin during breastfeeding and it has a long half-life averaging 55 hours, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Long-term use of solifenacin might reduce milk production or milk letdown. During long-term use, observe the infant for signs of decreased milk production (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain) and for anticholinergic symptoms (e.g., constipation, urinary retention, UTI, dry mouth).
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because there is no published experience with solifenacin during breastfeeding and it has a long half-life averaging 55 hours, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Long-term use of solifenacin might reduce milk production or milk letdown. During long-term use, observe the infant for signs of decreased milk production (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain) and for anticholinergic symptoms (e.g., constipation, urinary retention, UTI, dry mouth).
Possible effects of Solifenacin on milk supply
Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[1][2][3][4][5] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[6] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Solifenacin
None listed
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. Aaron DK, Ely DG, Deweese WP et al. Reducing milk production in ewes at weaning using restricted feeding and methscopolamine bromide. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1434-42. PMID: 9250502
2. Powell MR, Keisler DH. A potential strategy for decreasing milk production in the ewe at weaning using a growth hormone release blocker. J Anim Sci. 1995;73:1901-5. PMID: 7592071
3. Daniel JA, Thomas MG, Powell MR, Keisler DH. Methscopolamine bromide blocks hypothalmic-stimulated release of growth hormone in ewes. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1359-62. PMID: 9159285
4. Bizzarro A, Iannucci F, Tolino A et al. Inhibiting effect of atropine on prolactin blood levels after stimulation with TRH. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1980;7:108-11. PMID: 6788407
5. Svennersten K, Nelson L, Juvnas-Moberg K. Atropinization decreases oxytocin secretion in dairy cows. Acta Physiol Scand. 1992;145:193-4. PMID: 1636447
6. Masala A, Alagna S, Devilla L et al. Muscarinic receptor blockade by pirenzepine: effect on prolactin secretion in man. J Endocrinol Invest. 1982;5:53-5. PMID: 6808052
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.
