The Basics
What is Dopamine?
Used to treat the symptoms of low blood pressure, low cardiac output and improves blood flow to the kidneys.
Brand names for Dopamine
Dopamine
How Dopamine is classified
Cardiotonic Agents, Catecholamines, Dopamine Agents, Sympathomimetics
Dopamine During Pregnancy
Dopamine 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 Dopamine while pregnant
N/A
Taking Dopamine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Dopamine?
No information is available on the use of dopamine during breastfeeding. Because of its poor oral bioavailability and short half-life, any dopamine in milk is unlikely to affect the infant. Intravenous dopamine infusion may decrease milk production. Dopamine is known to reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women, but no information is available on its effect on milk production in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the use of dopamine during breastfeeding. Because of its poor oral bioavailability and short half-life, any dopamine in milk is unlikely to affect the infant. Intravenous dopamine infusion may decrease milk production. Dopamine is known to reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women, but no information is available on its effect on milk production in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Dopamine on milk supply
Intravenous dopamine infusion in doses of 2 to 5 mcg/kg/minute given to nonnursing subjects and in women with hyperprolactinemia decreases serum prolactin concentrations.[1][2][3][4][5] However, relevant published information on the effect of intravenous dopamine on milk production in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Dopamine
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. Judd SJ, Rigg LA, Yen SS. The effects of ovariectomy and estrogen treatment on the dopamine inhibition of gonadotropin and prolactin release. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1979;49:182-4. PMID: 572372
2. Massara F, Camanni F, Vergano V et al. Inhibition of thyrotropin and prolactin secretion by dopamine in man. J Endocrinol Invest. 1978;1:25-30. PMID: 573767
3. Nicoletti I, Filipponi P, Sfrappini M et al. Catecholamines and pituitary function. I. Effects of catecholamine synthesis inhibition and subsequent catecholamine infusion on gonadotropin and prolactin serum levels in normal cycling women and in women with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea. Horm Res. 1984;19:158-70. PMID: 6425187
4. Leblanc H, Lachelin GC, Abu-Fadil S, Yen SS. Effects of dopamine infusion on pituitary hormone secretion in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1976;43:668-74. PMID: 956350
5. Crosignani PG, Reschini E, Peracchi M et al. Failure of dopamine infusion to suppress the plasma prolactin response to sulpiride in normal and hyperprolactinemic subjects. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1977;45:841-4. PMID: 410826
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.
