The Basics
What is Thiethylperazine?
Used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Brand names for Thiethylperazine
Torecan
How Thiethylperazine is classified
Antiemetics, Phenothiazines, Gastrointestinal Agents
Thiethylperazine During Pregnancy
Thiethylperazine pregnancy category
Category N/ANote 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 Thiethylperazine while pregnant
ORECAN (thiethylperazine) is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Taking Thiethylperazine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Thiethylperazine?
Based on minimal excretion of other phenothiazine derivatives, it appears that occasional short-term use of thiethylperazine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting poses little risk to the breastfed infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Based on minimal excretion of other phenothiazine derivatives, it appears that occasional short-term use of thiethylperazine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting poses little risk to the breastfed infant.
Possible effects of Thiethylperazine on milk supply
Phenothiazines cause galactorrhea in 26 to 40% of female patients.[1][2] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[3][4][5] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug’s dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[6]
Possible alternatives to Thiethylperazine
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. Polishuk WZ, Kulcsar S. Effects of chlorpromazine on pituitary function. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1956;16:292-3. PMID: 13286329
2. Hooper JH Jr, Welch VC, Shackelford RT. Abnormal lactation associated with tranquilizing drug therapy. JAMA. 1961;178:506-7. PMID: 14448766
3. Turkington RW. Prolactin secretion in patients treated with various drugs: phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, reserpine, and methyldopa. Arch Intern Med. 1972;130:349-54. PMID: 4560178
4. Turkington RW. Serum prolactin levels in patients with gynecomastia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1972;34:62-6. PMID: 5061776
5. Meltzer HY, Fang VS. The effect of neuroleptics on serum prolactin in schizophrenic patients. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1976;33:279-86. PMID: 1259521
6. Maguire GA. Prolactin elevation with antipsychotic medications: mechanisms of action and clinical consequences. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63(suppl 4):56-62. PMID: 11913677
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.
