Is Ocupress Safe for Breastfeeding Women?
At this time, it is unknown if
Ocupress® (
carteolol hydrochloride) is safe for use in breastfeeding women. The manufacturer of Ocupress recommends that this medication be used cautiously in breastfeeding women. If you are breastfeeding, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking Ocupress.
Ocupress and Breastfeeding: Safety Issues
No studies have been done to see if Ocupress passes through breast milk in humans (although it is known that it passes through breast milk in animals). It is important to understand that even though Ocupress is an eye drop, it is possible that some of the medication may reach the bloodstream (and could, therefore, possibly pass through breast milk).
With normal use of Ocupress, it is unlikely that a large amount of the drug would reach the breast milk. However, the possibility of problems cannot be entirely eliminated, since this medication has never been studied in breastfeeding women.
If your healthcare provider recommends taking this drug while breastfeeding, be sure to watch for any side effects in your child.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider
You should talk with your healthcare provider about breastfeeding while taking Ocupress. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision that is right for you.