The Basics
What is Moclobemide?
Used to treat certain types of depression by blocking the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the nervous system.
Brand names for Moclobemide
Amira, Aurorix, Clobemix, Depnil, Manerix
How Moclobemide is classified
Antidepressive Agents, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Moclobemide During Pregnancy
Moclobemide 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 Moclobemide while pregnant
N/A
Taking Moclobemide While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Moclobemide?
Moclobemide is not approved for marketing in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but is available in other countries. Limited information indicates that maternal doses of moclobemide up to 900 mg daily produce low levels in milk. Although several breastfed infants apparently experienced no adverse effects during maternal use of moclobemide, no rigorous, long-term data are available. Until more data are available, moclobemide should only be used with careful monitoring during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Moclobemide is not approved for marketing in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but is available in other countries. Limited information indicates that maternal doses of moclobemide up to 900 mg daily produce low levels in milk. Although several breastfed infants apparently experienced no adverse effects during maternal use of moclobemide, no rigorous, long-term data are available. Until more data are available, moclobemide should only be used with careful monitoring during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Moclobemide on milk supply
Moclobemide increases serum prolactin in males[4][5][6] and has caused galactorrhea in women.[7] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Moclobemide
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. Pons G, Schoerlin MP, Tam YK et al. Moclobemide excretion in human breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1990;29:27-31. PMID: 2297459
2. Buist A, Dennerstein L, Maguire KP, Norman TP. Plasma and human milk concentrations of moclobemide in nursing mothers. Hum Psychopharmacol. 1998;13:579-82. DOI: doi:10.1002/(SICI)1099-1077(1998120)13:8<579::AID-HUP45>3.0.CO;2-4
3. Taylor T, Kennedy D. Safety of moclobemide in pregnancy and lactation, four case reports. Birth Defects Research Part A-Clinical and Molecular Teratology. 2008;82:413. Abstract.
4. Koulu M, Scheinin M, Kaarttinen A et al. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by moclobemide: effects on monoamine metabolism and secretion of anterior pituitary hormones and cortisol in healthy volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1989;27:243-55. PMID: 2469451
5. Juruena MF, Pires ML, Calil HM. Moclobemide effects on prolactin plasma levels in healthy individuals: the hormonal increase induced by a single dose is maintained during a 4-week period of drug intake. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1997;12:317-21. PMID: 9547133
6. Scheinin M, Koulu M, Karhuvaara S, Zimmer RH. Evidence that the reversible MAO-A inhibitor moclobemide increases prolactin secretion by a serotonergic mechanism in healthy male volunteers. Life Sci. 1990;47:1491-9. PMID: 2250565
7. Dunn NR, Freemantle SN, Pearce GL, Mann RD. Galactorrhoea with moclobemide. Lancet. 1998;351:802. PMID: 9519955
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.
