The Basics
What is Acetylcholine?
Used after delivery of the lens in cataract surgery.
Brand names for Acetylcholine
Miochol-E
How Acetylcholine is classified
Miotics, Muscarinic Agonists, Parasympathomimetics
Acetylcholine During Pregnancy
Acetylcholine 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 Acetylcholine while pregnant
N/A
Taking Acetylcholine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Acetylcholine?
No information is available on the use of acetylcholine ophthalmic drops during breastfeeding. Because of its short half-life, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the use of acetylcholine ophthalmic drops during breastfeeding. Because of its short half-life, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Possible effects of Acetylcholine on milk supply
Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. In animals, cholinergic drugs increase oxytocin release,[1] and have variable effects on serum prolactin.[2] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Acetylcholine
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. Clarke G, Fall CH, Lincoln DW, Merrick LP. Effects of cholinoceptor antagonists on the suckling-induced and experimentally evoked release of oxytocin. Br J Pharmacol. 1978;63:519-27. PMID: 566601
2. Muller EE, Locatelli V, Cella S et al. Prolactin-lowering and -releasing drugs: mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications. Drugs. 1983;25:399-432. PMID: 6133737
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.
