(Corticosteroids. Corticoids)

The body's own corticosteroids (cortisol) are normally found in breast milk at an average concentration of 6 to 33 micrograms/liter. ^{(Lawrence 2015l)}

Most corticosteroids administered to the nursing mother, even at high doses of 1g ^{(Schaefer 2015 p789)}, by any route are excreted in very low concentration in breast milk, clinically not significant ^{(Nguyen 2016, Huang 2014)}. It is not necessary to wait any time to breastfeed after the administration of a corticosteroid by systemic or other route to the nursing mother.^{(Nguyen 2016)}.

No adverse effects have been reported in breast-fed infants with maternal use of any corticosteroid during lactation, even at high doses. 

Isolated cases of temporary reduction in milk production have been published with high doses of corticosteroids administered systemically or injected into joints or the breast. ^{(Rosen 2023, Babwah 2013, McGuire 2012)}

In topical use to treat eczema or nipple dermatosis it is advisable to choose the least potent corticosteroid, apply it just after the shot so that it has been reabsorbed before the next one; if necessary remove any remains with a gauze and do not use for more than one week in a row. Serious clinical involvement has been reported in an infant whose mother applied a corticosteroid to the nipple continuously. ^{(De Stefano 1983)}

Corticosteroids are commonly used in pediatrics and have no side effects when used alone or in short treatments.

If they are used during lactation, it is advisable to monitor milk production.

Several medical societies and expert authors consider corticosteroids, topical, systemic, inhaled, oral or nasal, ophthalmic, or rectal, to be safe and compatible with breastfeeding. ^{(Hale, LactMed, Middleton 2020, Briggs 2015, Schaefer 2015, Mahadevan 2006, National Asthma 2004, Nice 2004)}

WHO 2002 essential medicines list: breastfeeding compatible. ^{(WHO 2002)}

American Academy of Pediatrics: medication generally compatible with breastfeeding. ^{(AAP 2001)}

See below the information of these related groups:

• ATC D07A: Corticoid, dermatological, topical use
• ATC H02: Corticoid, Systemic Use
• ATC R03B: Glucocorticoids, Anticholinergics & Antiallergic agents for obstructive airway diseases, Inhalants
• ATC S01B: Ophtalmologicals-Antiinflammatory agents