When it comes to determining how long lorazepam stays in breastmilk, it’s essential to consider various factors that can influence the presence of the drug in this bodily fluid. Lorazepam, a commonly prescribed medication for anxiety and other conditions, is known to be about 85% bound to plasma proteins, which can impact its distribution in the body. This high protein binding means that only a small percentage of the drug is free to move into breastmilk.
Moreover, lorazepam is reported to be around 90% bioavailable, meaning that a significant portion of the drug can be absorbed by the body. This high bioavailability suggests that when lorazepam is taken orally, a large proportion of the drug will enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to its presence in breastmilk. However, the extent to which lorazepam passes into breastmilk and its effects on breastfeeding infants can vary.
The half-life of lorazepam, which is the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body, is approximately 10 to 20 hours. This relatively long half-life indicates that lorazepam stays in the body for a considerable amount of time before being fully cleared. Understanding the half-life of lorazepam is crucial in determining how long the drug may persist in breastmilk after it has been ingested by a breastfeeding individual.
A post-partum study conducted by Summerfield and Nielsen in 1985 investigated the presence of lorazepam in breastmilk following maternal ingestion of the drug. Remarkably, even at a dose of 2.5 mg taken twice daily for the first five days post-natally, the study found clinically insignificant amounts of lorazepam in breastmilk. This finding suggests that despite some absorption of the drug into the maternal bloodstream, only negligible levels of lorazepam are excreted into breastmilk.
It is important to note that individual responses to medications can vary, and factors such as dosage, frequency of administration, and maternal metabolism may influence the presence of lorazepam in breastmilk. While the aforementioned study reported minimal levels of lorazepam in breastmilk, it is advisable for breastfeeding individuals to consult with their healthcare provider before taking lorazepam or any other medication to ensure the safety of both the mother and the infant.
Overall, based on existing research and clinical data, it appears that lorazepam may have limited excretion into breastmilk, particularly at low to moderate doses. However, given the variability in individual responses and the potential impact on infants, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to exercise caution and seek medical advice when considering the use of lorazepam or any other medication during lactation.
