TRANYLCYPROMINE

Fetal Risk Summary

Tranylcypromine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor used in the treatment of major depressive episode without melancholia. The drug crosses the placenta to the fetus in rats (1).

The Collaborative Perinatal Project monitored 21 mother-child pairs exposed to these drugs during the 1st trimester, 13 of whom were exposed to tranylcypromine (2). An increased risk of malformations was found. Details of the 13 cases with exposure to tranylcypromine are not available.

Breast Feeding Summary

No reports describing the use of tranylcypromine during lactation have been located. The molecular weight (about 365) is low enough, however, that excretion into breast milk should be expected. The drug is found in the milk of lactating dogs (1). The potential effects of exposure on a nursing infant are unknown.

References

1. Product information. Parnate. SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, 2000.
2. Heinonen OP, Slone D, Shapiro S. Birth Defects and Drugs in Pregnancy. Littleton, MA: Publishing Sciences Group, 1977:336–7.