The Basics
What is Cyclobenzaprine?
Used short-term to treat muscle spasms and works by helping to relax the muscles.
Brand names for Cyclobenzaprine
Amrix
How Cyclobenzaprine is classified
Muscle Relaxants (Central)
Cyclobenzaprine During Pregnancy
Cyclobenzaprine pregnancy category
Category BNote 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 Cyclobenzaprine while pregnant
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of AMRIX in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, AMRIX should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. No treatment-related effects on embryofetal development were observed in mice and rabbits at approximately 3 and 15 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively (on a mg/m² basis at maternal doses of 20 mg/kg/day in both mice and rabbits).
Taking Cyclobenzaprine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Cyclobenzaprine?
Amounts of cyclobenzaprine in milk appear to be very small and two infants apparently tolerated the drug in milk well. If cyclobenzaprine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Monitor the infant for (drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones), especially in neonates and preterm infants and when using combinations of sedating drugs.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Amounts of cyclobenzaprine in milk appear to be very small and two infants apparently tolerated the drug in milk well. If cyclobenzaprine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Monitor the infant for (drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones), especially in neonates and preterm infants and when using combinations of sedating drugs.
Possible effects of Cyclobenzaprine on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Cyclobenzaprine
Carisoprodol.
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. Burra B, Datta P, Rewers-Felkins K et al. Transfer of cyclobenzaprine into human milk and subsequent infant exposure. J Hum Lact. 2019;35:559-62. PMID: 31017819
2. Beauchamp GA, Hendrickson RG, Horowitz BZ et al. Exposures through breast milk: An analysis of exposure and information calls to U.S. poison centers, 2001-2017. Breastfeed Med. 2019. PMID: 31211594
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.
