The Basics
What is Thioridazine?
Can treat schizophrenia.
Brand names for Thioridazine
Thioridazine
How Thioridazine is classified
Antipsychotic Agents, Phenothiazines
Thioridazine During Pregnancy
Thioridazine 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 Thioridazine while pregnant
N/A
Taking Thioridazine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Thioridazine?
Because there is no published experience with thioridazine during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because there is no published experience with thioridazine during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Thioridazine on milk supply
Phenothiazines cause galactorrhea in 26 to 40% of female patients.[1][2] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[3][4][5] There is some evidence that thioridazine increases serum prolactin to a greater extent than other phenothiazines.[6] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug’s dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[7] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Thioridazine
Haloperidol, Olanzapine.
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. Polishuk WZ, Kulcsar S. Effects of chlorpromazine on pituitary function. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1956;16:292-3. PMID: 13286329
2. Hooper JH Jr, Welch VC, Shackelford RT. Abnormal lactation associated with tranquilizing drug therapy. JAMA. 1961;178:506-7. PMID: 14448766
3. Turkington RW. Prolactin secretion in patients treated with various drugs: phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, reserpine, and methyldopa. Arch Intern Med. 1972;130:349-54. PMID: 4560178
4. Turkington RW. Serum prolactin levels in patients with gynecomastia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1972;34:62-6. PMID: 5061776
5. Meltzer HY, Fang VS. The effect of neuroleptics on serum prolactin in schizophrenic patients. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1976;33:279-86. PMID: 1259521
6. Goodnick PJ, Rodriguez L, Santana O. Antipsychotics: impact on prolactin levels. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2002;3:1381-91. PMID: 12387684
7. Maguire GA. Prolactin elevation with antipsychotic medications: mechanisms of action and clinical consequences. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63(suppl 4):56-62. PMID: 11913677
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.
