The Basics
What is Mepenzolate?
Used to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as acid peptic disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
Brand names for Mepenzolate
Cantil
How Mepenzolate is classified
Anti-Ulcer Agents, Muscarinic Antagonists, Parasympatholytics
Mepenzolate During Pregnancy
Mepenzolate 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 Mepenzolate while pregnant
Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 30 times the human dose (based on 50 kg weight) and have shown no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the animal fetus. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies with CANTIL in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, CANTIL should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Taking Mepenzolate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Mepenzolate?
No information is available on the use of mepenzolate during breastfeeding. Because mepenzolate is a quaternary ammonium compound, it is not likely to be absorbed and reach the bloodstream of the infant. Long-term use of mepenzolate might reduce milk production or milk letdown. During long-term use, observe for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain).
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the use of mepenzolate during breastfeeding. Because mepenzolate is a quaternary ammonium compound, it is not likely to be absorbed and reach the bloodstream of the infant. Long-term use of mepenzolate might reduce milk production or milk letdown. During long-term use, observe for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain).
Possible effects of Mepenzolate on milk supply
Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals, apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[1][2][3][4][5] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[6] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Mepenzolate
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. Aaron DK, Ely DG, Deweese WP et al. Reducing milk production in ewes at weaning using restricted feeding and methscopolamine bromide. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1434-42. PMID: 9250502
2. Powell MR, Keisler DH. A potential strategy for decreasing milk production in the ewe at weaning using a growth hormone release blocker. J Anim Sci. 1995;73:1901-5. PMID: 7592071
3. Daniel JA, Thomas MG, Powell MR, Keisler DH. Methscopolamine bromide blocks hypothalmic-stimulated release of growth hormone in ewes. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1359-62. PMID: 9159285
4. Bizzarro A, Iannucci F, Tolino A et al. Inhibiting effect of atropine on prolactin blood levels after stimulation with TRH. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1980;7:108-11. PMID: 6788407
5. Svennersten K, Nelson L, Juvnas-Moberg K. Atropinization decreases oxytocin secretion in dairy cows. Acta Physiol Scand. 1992;145:193-4. PMID: 1636447
6. Masala A, Alagna S, Devilla L et al. Muscarinic receptor blockade by pirenzepine: effect on prolactin secretion in man. J Endocrinol Invest. 1982;5:53-5. PMID: 6808052
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.
