there are less than a handful of medications which require a mother to stop nursing. however most doctors err on the side of "caution" b/c they do not know any better. a study by johns hopkins a few years ago found that in all of med school doctors in training only receive a few hours of bf information. they are the experts on medicine...but not the experts on medicine and breastfeeding...because they have not the training.
if you know the names of the medications, i'd be glad to look them up in thomas hale's "medications and mother's milk"...that's the book for doctors to use when medical issues and bf arise. but they usually don't.
or if you are more comfortable doing the research yourself, try this:
Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Study Center (phone 585-275-0088) at The University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, USA. This center maintains a database of drugs and medications and provides free information to physicians on their use and effects during breastfeeding. Ruth A. Lawrence, MD is the Director of the center. Your doctor can call and get info on the drug.
Do you see your drug in the following article? here's an excerpt from below:
Methotrexate is excreted into milk in minimal amounts,8 and single weekly doses, such as those used for rheumatoid arthritis maintenance therapy, are unlikely to pose substantial risk to babies.
Which drugs are contraindicated during breastfeeding?
Practice guidelines
Myla E. Moretti, MSC; Amy Lee, MSC; Shinya Ito, MD
September, 2000
ABSTRACT
QUESTION
Many breastfeeding mothers are concerned about taking medications that might affect their babies. Are there any guidelines on which drugs are safe?
ANSWER
Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.
There is no question that breastfeeding is best for providing all necessary nutrients to infants for the first 6 months of life. Use of medication while lactating, however, complicates the decision to breastfeed. Fortunately, most drugs are compatible with breastfeeding and do not pose a risk to infants. While certain drugs are traditionally contraindicated for nursing mothers, many of these restrictions are based on theoretical concerns only rather than on evidence or clinical observation. In this update we discuss these contraindicated drugs in light of the practice guidelines of the Motherisk Program.
Drugs generally considered incompatible with breastfeeding
Antineoplastics. Anticancer drugs used in chemotherapy are generally considered incompatible with breastfeeding because even very low levels of exposure can prove toxic. If breastfeeding is continued, drug levels in milk and infant plasma, and infant hematologic parameters, must be monitored. Much research is still required in this area, and only limited information is available on some of these agents.
Nine cases of infants breastfed by mothers taking azathioprine (25 to 100 mg/d) appear in the current literature. All infants thrived and had no reported adverse effects. 1-3 Breastfeeding might be possible provided infants are closely monitored. Two cases of cisplatin excretion into milk indicated that patients excrete this drug in varying amounts into milk.4,5 The outcome of infants exposed to cisplatin through milk are not known. Adverse events, including neutropenia6 and leukopenia,7 are reported in two infants whose mothers used cyclophosphamide while breastfeeding.
In a single report, low levels of doxorubicin were found in breast milk5 although infant outcome was not known. Methotrexate is excreted into milk in minimal amounts,8 and single weekly doses, such as those used for rheumatoid arthritis maintenance therapy, are unlikely to pose substantial risk to babies. Use of methotrexate for cancer chemotherapy is not recommended for lactating mothers because we do not know how it affects suckling infants.
Anticonvulsants. Only a few anticonvulsants are excreted in high concentrations in breast milk. Phenobarbital, ethosuximide, and primidone might result in substantial infant exposure.9 Close monitoring of infants exposed to phenobarbital is warranted because their blood levels might approach therapeutic levels. Sedation has been observed, and there is potential for withdrawal upon weaning.
Drugs of abuse. Generally speaking, all drugs of abuse should be avoided by nursing women. In addition to unnecessary infant exposure, mothersí ability to care for their babies while under the influence of such substances becomes an issue.
Heavy alcohol consumption was associated with pseudo Cushing's syndrome in a 4-month-old baby.10 Ethanol was also associated with decreased milk intake by infants,11 altered sleep patterns,12 and slower neurologic development.13 If mothers drink alcohol, breastfeeding could be withheld temporarily (about 2 to 3 hours per drink) to ensure alcohol levels in the milk have diminished.
Amphetamines have been detected in infant urine following maternal therapy.14 Nothing is known about maternal amphetamine abuse and its potential effect on nursing infants. Cocaine is excreted into breast milk in notable concentrations; infants might accumulate the drug because they are less able than adults to metabolize it. Cocaine has been detected in infant serum, and toxicity has been reported in some infants.15,16 Infants exposed to marijuana through breast milk showed a delay in motor development at 1 year old.17 Heroin toxicity has been observed in infants breastfed by mothers abusing heroin, but at therapeutic doses, most opioids, such as morphine, meperidine, methadone, and codeine, are excreted into milk in only minimal amounts18,19 and are compatible with breastfeeding. Phencyclidine, a potent hallucinogen, has been found in breast milk several weeks after maternal dosing.20 This is attributable to its long half-life; nursing mothers should be encouraged to avoid it.
Ergot alkaloids. Ergotamine therapy during lactation was associated with ergotism (vomiting, diarrhea, occasional convulsions) in a 1934 publication21 but not in a more recent study.22 We do not know how much of this drug is excreted into milk. Until more data are available, other therapies should be considered for patients requiring headache treatment. Ergonovine is known to reduce serum prolactin levels and might inhibit lactation.23
Methylergonovine, used for uterine involution, does not influence milk supply. It is not found in clinically significant amounts in breast milk24 and can be used safely. Bromocriptine effectively suppresses lactation and, hence, is not compatible with breastfeeding. Also, it could be hazardous to mothers.25
Others. Although the drugs listed below can be used with caution, safer alternative drugs should be considered first if they exist for the particular indication.
Amiodarone excretion into milk varies from person to person. Nursing infants might ingest up to 50% of the maternal dose (on the basis of weight).26 Also, amiodarone contains large amounts of iodine that could affect infants thyroid glands. If the decision is made to continue therapy while breastfeeding, the drug should be monitored in breast milk and infant plasma, as should the infantís thyroid function.
Cyclosporine has been used successfully for several lactating mothers.3,27,28 Breast-milk levels ranged widely, although infant plasma levels, when detectable, were low. Because cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressant, however, it should be continued during breastfeeding only if levels in milk and infant serum are monitored.
Similar to amiodarone, lithium concentrations vary greatly in milk. Although amiodarone is contraindicated by many authorities because infant plasma levels can reach one third to half of maternal levels,29 the only reported adverse event could not rule out possible effects of in utero exposure.30 Lithium is an excellent example of a drug that requires monitoring and case-by-case assessment so nursing mothers can be successfully treated.
Cigarette smoking should be minimized while breastfeeding. While second-hand smoke exposure is probably the greater concern, smoking might decrease milk supply and nicotine can be measured in breast milk.31
Estrogens found in oral contraceptives have been shown to reduce milk production in some mothers. On the other hand, progestin-only contraceptives are unlikely to affect milk supply. If estrogen-containing contraceptives are to be used, therapy should commence only after maternal milk supply is well established, about 6 weeks after delivery.32 Infant weight gain can be monitored to ensure sufficient milk is produced.
Radiopharmaceuticals might require temporary cessation of breastfeeding because radioactivity sometimes persists in breast milk for hours or even days. Before procedures, breast milk may be pumped and frozen to be given to infants while breastfeeding is temporarily withheld. In addition, mothers should pump and discard their breast milk while the isotope is still present in order to preserve milk production. Recommendations to patients should be individualized to particular agents. Consultation with a nuclear medicine physician and reading the various literature resources available33,34 will assist in determining the length of breastfeeding interruption.
Conclusion
As experience with lactating womenís use of drugs increases, we are realizing that only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to infants. This is reassuring for both patients and health care providers faced with the risk-benefit dilemma. To make an informed decision, it is critical that appropriate and the most up-to-date sources be consulted when making recommendations to patients requiring drug therapy while lactating. Contact the Motherisk Program for specific information.
References
Coulam CB, Moyer TP, Jiang NS, Zincke H. Breast-feeding after renal transplantation. Transplant Proc 1982;14(3):605-9.
Grekas DM, Vasiliou SS, Lazarides AN. Immunosuppressive therapy and breast-feeding after renal transplantation [letter]. Nephron 1984;37(1):68.
Nyberg G, Haljamae U, Frisenette-Fich C, Wennergren M, Kjellmer I. Breast-feeding during treatment with cyclosporine. Transplantation 1998;65(2):253-5.
De Vries EG, van der Zee AG, Uges DR, Sleijfer DT. Excretion of platinum into breast milk [letter] [published erratum appears in Lancet 1989;1(8641):798]. Lancet 1989;1(8636):497.
Egan PC, Costanza ME, Dodion P, Egorin MJ, Bachur NR. Doxorubicin and cisplatin excretion into human milk. Cancer Treat Rep 1985;69(12):1387-9.
Amato D, Niblett JS. Neutropenia from cyclophosphamide in breast milk [letter]. Med J Aust 1977;1(11):383-4.
Durodola JI. Administration of cyclophosphamide during late pregnancy and early lactation: a case report. J Natl Med Assoc 1979;71(2):165-6.
Johns DG, Rutherford LD, Leighton PC, Vogel CL. Secretion of methotrexate into human milk. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1972;112(7):978-80.
Nau H, Kuhnz W, Egger HJ, Rating D, Helge H. Anticonvulsants during pregnancy and lactation. Transplacental, maternal and neonatal pharmacokinetics. Clin Pharmacokinet 1982;7(6):508-43.
Binkiewicz A, Robinson MJ, Senior B. Pseudo-Cushing syndrome caused by alcohol in breast milk. J Pediatr 1978;93(6):965-7.
Mennella JA, Beauchamp GK. The transfer of alcohol to human milk. Effects on flavor and the infantís behavior. N Engl J Med 1991;325(14):981-5.
Mennella JA, Gerrish CJ. Effects of exposure to alcohol in motherís milk on infant sleep. Pediatrics 1998;101(5):E2.
Little RE, Anderson KW, Ervin CH, Worthington-Roberts B, Clarren SK. Maternal alcohol use during breast-feeding and infant mental and motor development at one year. N Engl J Med 1989;321(7):425-30.
Steiner E, Villen T, Hallberg M, Rane A. Amphetamine secretion in breast milk. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1984;27(1):123-4.
Chasnoff IJ, Lewis DE, Squires L. Cocaine intoxication in a breast-fed infant. Pediatrics 1987;80(6):836-8.
Chaney NE, Franke J, Wadlington WB. Cocaine convulsions in a breast-feeding baby. J Pediatr 1988;112(1):134-5.
Astley SJ, Little RE. Maternal marijuana use during lactation and infant development at one year. Neurotoxicol Teratol 1990;12(2):161-8.
Feilberg VL, Rosenborg D, Broen CC, Mogensen JV. Excretion of morphine in human breast milk. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1989;33(5):426-8.
Wojnar-Horton RE, Kristensen JH, Yapp P, Ilett KF, Dusci LJ, Hackett LP. Methadone distribution and excretion into breast milk of clients in a methadone maintenance programme. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1997;44(6):543-7.
Kaufman KR, Petrucha RA, Pitts FN Jr, Weekes ME. PCP in amniotic fluid and breast milk: case report. J Clin Psychiatry 1983;44(7):269-70.
Fomina PI. Untersuchungen uber den ubergang des aktiven Agens des Mutterkorns in die milch stillender Mutter. Arch Gynakol 1934;157:275-85.
Jolivet A, Robyn C, Huraux-Rendu C, Gautray JP. Effet de derives des alcaloides de líergot de siegle sur la secretion lactee dans le post-partum immediat [Effect of ergot alkaloid derivatives on milk secretion in the immediate postpartum period] (Fr). J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris) 1978;7(1):129-34.
Shane JM, Naftolin F. Effect of ergonovine maleate on puerperal prolactin. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1974;120(1):129-31.
Del Pozo E, Brun DR, Hinselmann M. Lack of effect of methyl-ergonovine on postpartum lactation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1975;123(8):845-6.
Comabella M, Alvarez-Sabin J, Rovira A, Codina A. Bromocriptine and postpartum cerebral angiopathy: a causal relationship? Neurology 1996;46(6):1754-6.
McKenna WJ, Harris L, Rowland E, Whitelaw A, Storey G, Holt D. Amiodarone therapy during pregnancy. Am J Cardiol 1983;51(7):1231-3.
Flechner SM, Katz AR, Rogers AJ, Van Buren C, Kahan BD. The presence of cyclosporine in body tissues and fluids during pregnancy. Am J Kidney Dis 1985;5(1):60-3.
Thiru Y, Bateman DN, Coulthard MG. Successful breast feeding while mother was taking cyclosporin. BMJ 1997;315(7106):463.
Schou M, Amdisen A. Lithium and pregnancy. 3. Lithium ingestion by children breast-fed by women on lithium treatment. BMJ 1973;2(859):138.
Tunnessen WW Jr, Hertz CG. Toxic effects of lithium in newborn infants: a commentary. J Pediatr 1972;81(4):804-7.
Dahlstrom A, Lundell B, Curvall M, Thapper L. Nicotine and cotinine concentrations in the nursing mother and her infant. Acta Paediatr Scand 1990;79(2):142-7.
Kelsey JJ. Hormonal contraception and lactation [review]. J Hum Lact 1996;12(4):315-8.
Rubow S, Klopper J, Wasserman H, Baard B, van Niekerk M. The excretion of radiopharmaceuticals in human breast milk: additional data and dosimetry. Eur J Nucl Med 1994;21(2):144-53.
Romney BM, Nickoloff EL, Esser PD, Alderson PO. Radionuclide administration to nursing mothers: mathematically derived guidelines. Radiology 1986;160(2):549-54.
© Canadian Family Physician 2000;46:1754-7.
I have to stop nursing my baby....
In whatever you decide to do. My dd was bottlefeed and my ds was bfed until 11 months. I was and am no more bonded to my son than my daughter. I actually worried for months that I was less bonded to him. lol
Linear Mode
