The Basics
What is Bepotastine?
Used to treat itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis.
Brand names for Bepotastine
Bepreve
How Bepotastine is classified
Anti-Allergic Agents, Antihistamines
Bepotastine During Pregnancy
Bepotastine 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 Bepotastine while pregnant
N/A
Taking Bepotastine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Bepotastine?
There are no reports of infants breastfed during maternal therapy with bepotastine. Because absorption from the eye is limited, bepotastine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Maternal / infant drug levels
There are no reports of infants breastfed during maternal therapy with bepotastine. Because absorption from the eye is limited, bepotastine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Possible effects of Bepotastine on milk supply
Antihistamines in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women.[2][3] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by antihistamine pretreatment of postpartum mothers.[2] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed. Low ophthalmic doses of bepotastine are unlikely to have the same effect on serum prolactin.
Possible alternatives to Bepotastine
Desloratadine, Fexofenadine, Loratadine.
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. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M et al. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168:1393-9. PMID: 8498418
2. Messinis IE, Souvatzoglou A, Fais N, Lolis D. Histamine H1 receptor participation in the control of prolactin secretion in postpartum. J Endocrinol Investig. 1985;8:143-6. PMID: 3928731
3. Pontiroli AE, De Castro e Silva E, Mazzoleni F, Alberetto M et al. The effect of histamine and H1 and H2 receptors on prolactin and luteinizing hormone release in humans: sex differences and the role of stress. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1981;52:924-8. PMID: 7228996
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.
