Re : Hypolipidemic agents A frequently asked question is about treating elevated cholesterol levels in breastfeeding women. First, cholesterol is a terribly important chemical in building an infant's brain, so reducing it in the mother is not a very good idea. Should small amounts transfer into the infant, it could potentially lower their plasma cholesterol levels as well and it would probably mean fewer brain cells, etc. Secondly, atheroslcerosis (in the mother) is a life-long process. One or two years of elevated cholesterol while a woman breastfeeds won't make a bit of difference. Therefore, I strongly suggest breastfeeding women NOT use any of the hypolipidemic agents while they breastfeed, as the infant needs the cholesterol and it won't really change that mother's risks at all. This includes all of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, Mevacor, Pravachol,Zocor, Lescol, Lipitor, etc. Regards Tom Hale, R.Ph., Ph.D. http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/