Last update Sept. 22, 2017

Probucol

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use safer alternative or interrupt breastfeeding 3 to 7 T ½ (elimination half-lives). Read the Comment.

Reduces blood cholesterol levels by mechanisms that have not been not clarified.
It accumulates for long periods in fatty tissues and has very slow elimination by bile.

Since the last update we have not found published data in relation to breastfeeding.

Cholesterol levels in milk are very stable even in hypercholesterolemic women and are not severely affected by diet or nutritional status of the mother, suggesting that 3 is synthesized, at least in part, in the mammary gland (Lawrence 2016, p 289-90).
It is not probable therefore, but it is not known if Probucol is able to alter the lipid composition of the milk.

Infants need to ingest large amounts of cholesterol, as it is critical to the proper development of the nervous system, cell membranes and is a precursor of several hormones and vitamins.

Until there is more data in relation to breastfeeding, it is prudent to avoid using it, at least while breastfeeding exclusively. Suspending the pharmacological treatment of hyperlipidemia during breastfeeding is not likely to alter the long-term outcome of the disease, especially when breastfeeding can be considered therapeutic (Lawrence 2016, p.393).

It is advisable to follow a lipid-lowering diet.

Because of its side effects in most countries the product has been withdrawn from sale or restrictions have been imposed on its approved use.

Alternatives

  • Colesevelam Hydrochloride ( Safe. Compatible. Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.)
  • Colestipol ( Safe. Compatible. Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.)
  • Colestyramine ( Safe. Compatible. Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Probucol in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Probucol in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. < 10 %
Molecular weight 517 daltons
Tmax 1200 hours
12 - 500 hours

References

  1. Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding. A guide for the medical profession. Eighth Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2016
  2. Probucol Drugs.com 1998 Full text (in our servers)

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