The Basics
What is Hydrochlorothiazide?
A diuretic medication often used to treat high blood pressure and swelling due to fluid build up.
Brand names for Hydrochlorothiazide
Microzide
How Hydrochlorothiazide is classified
Antihypertensive Agents, Thiazide Diuretics
Hydrochlorothiazide During Pregnancy
Hydrochlorothiazide 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 Hydrochlorothiazide while pregnant
N/A
Taking Hydrochlorothiazide While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide doses of 50 mg daily or less are acceptable during lactation. Intense diuresis with large doses may decrease breastmilk production.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Hydrochlorothiazide doses of 50 mg daily or less are acceptable during lactation. Intense diuresis with large doses may decrease breastmilk production.
Possible effects of Hydrochlorothiazide on milk supply
Hydrochlorothiazide in dosages of 100 mg daily in the morning and 50 mg in the afternoon or 50 mg twice daily have been used to successfully to suppress lactation at various times postpartum.[2][3] Intense diuresis with thiazides and thiazide-like diuretics, fluid restriction and breast binding have been used to suppress postpartum lactation.[2][4][5] The added contribution of the diuretic to these measures, which are effective in suppressing lactation, has not been studied. There are no data on the effects of diuretics on established, ongoing lactation.
Possible alternatives to Hydrochlorothiazide
Chlorothiazide.
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. Miller ME, Cohn RD, Burghart PH. Hydrochlorothiazide disposition in a mother and her breast-fed infant. J Pediatr. 1982;101:789-91. PMID: 7131161
2. Stout G. Suppression of lactation. Br Med J. 1962;1:1150. Letter. PMC: PMC1958377
3. Reisfield DR, Paret FL. Value of a diuretic in suppressing breast engorgement. J Med Soc N J. 1966;63:458-61. PMID: 5341754
4. Healy M. Suppressing lactation with oral diuretics. Lancet. 1961;277:1353-4.
5. Reiher KH. [Suppression of lactation by stimulation of diuresis] . Zentralbl Gynakol. 1963;85:188-90. PMID: 13973786
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.
