The Basics
What is Thiothixene?
Used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Brand names for Thiothixene
Navane
How Thiothixene is classified
Antipsychotic Agents, Thioxanthines
Thiothixene During Pregnancy
Thiothixene 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 Thiothixene while pregnant
Safe use of Navane during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, this drug should be given to pregnant patients only when, in the judgment of the physician, the expected benefits from the treatment exceed the possible risks to mother and fetus. Animal reproduction studies and clinical experience to date have not demonstrated any teratogenic effects. In the animal reproduction studies with Navane, there was some decrease in conception rate and litter size, and an increase in resorption rate in rats and rabbits. Similar findings have been reported with other psychotropic agents. After repeated oral administration of Navane to rats (5 to 15 mg/kg/day), rabbits (3 to 50 mg/kg/day), and monkeys (1 to 3 mg/kg/day) before and during gestation, no teratogenic effects were seen.
Taking Thiothixene While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Thiothixene?
Because there is no published experience with thiothixene during breastfeeding, other antipsychotic agents are preferred.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because there is no published experience with thiothixene during breastfeeding, other antipsychotic agents are preferred.
Possible effects of Thiothixene on milk supply
Thiothixene has caused galactorrhea.[1] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[2][3][4] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug’s dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[5] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Thiothixene
Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Risperidone.
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. Kahn JL. More on galactorrhea associated with molindone. Am J Psychiatry. 1979;136:1617-8. Letter. PMID: 574364
2. 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
3. Turkington RW. Serum prolactin levels in patients with gynecomastia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1972;34:62-6. PMID: 5061776
4. Meltzer HY, Fang VS. The effect of neuroleptics on serum prolactin in schizophrenic patients. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1976;33:279-86. PMID: 1259521
5. 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.
