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How long does lidocaine stay in breast milk?

Understanding Lidocaine in Breast Milk
Lidocaine, a widely used local anesthetic, raises important questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. When administered, lidocaine does pass into breast milk, but the concentrations and potential effects on breastfeeding infants are critical factors to consider.
Concentration Levels in Breast Milk
Research indicates that lidocaine concentrations in breast milk are relatively low. For instance, after administration, the average concentration of lidocaine in breast milk is about 120.5 mcg/L at three hours post-dose, decreasing to 58.3 mcg/L by six hours. This suggests that while lidocaine does transfer into breast milk, the amounts are not substantial.
Moreover, studies have shown that lidocaine levels in breast milk can be approximately 40% of the serum levels in the mother. This means that even if a mother receives a significant dose of lidocaine, the amount that reaches the infant through breastfeeding is considerably reduced.
Safety for Breastfed Infants
The consensus among medical professionals is that lidocaine is not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. The low absorption rate of lidocaine in infants further supports this view. Additionally, the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine suggest that it is rapidly metabolized, which minimizes the risk of accumulation in the infant’s system.
Recommendations for Use
While lidocaine is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, it is always advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers regarding its use. This is particularly important if the mother is undergoing procedures that require local anesthesia or if she has concerns about the effects on her infant.
In summary, while lidocaine does enter breast milk, the concentrations are low and unlikely to harm breastfeeding infants. Mothers should feel reassured but should always seek personalized medical advice to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their children.

How long does local anesthesia stay in breastmilk?

It is entirely safe to breast feed after local anaesthetic. The amount of lidocaine that will be present in your breast milk is too small to be harmful to the baby. If you wish to breast feed from that breast you may decide to express and throw away the milk from that breast for up to 12 hours after the procedure.

How long to pump and dump after numbing cream?

“The standard thinking has been ‘pump and dump’ – discarding the breast milk for 24 hours after anesthesia. As an outdated practice, it is not evidence-based and is potentially harmful for babies. The evidence shows that this breast milk is safe.”

What can I take for tooth pain while breastfeeding?

Pain medication
Non-opioid pain mediation is preferred for dealing with pain while breastfeeding. Tylenol and Ibuprofen are the preferred medications to deal with pain. Both of these are found in breast milk, but the levels are low and result in minimal side effects with the infant.

How long after lidocaine can I breastfeed?

Following high doses of tumescent lidocaine in liposuction, avoid breastfeeding for 48 hours.” (Medications and Mothers’ Milk database, Dr Thomas Hale PhD). 1. ##Zeisler JA, Gaarder TD, De Mesquita SA. Lidocaine excretion in breast milk. Drug Intell Clin Pharm 1986; 20(9):691-693. 2. ##Dryden RM, Lo MW.

How long does lidocaine stay in your system?

Elimination: The half-life of lidocaine is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and is prolonged in patients with congestive heart failure and hepatic impairment. Approximately 90% of the drug is excreted in the urine.

How long to pump and dump after local anesthetic?

Brief Summary. Doctors, nurses, and midwives often inform mothers to “pump and dump” their breast milk for 24 hours after receiving anesthesia to avoid passing medications to the infant. This advice, though cautious, is probably outdated.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after anesthesia?

You can breastfeed or pump after you have this type of anesthesia as soon as you are awake and alert. For a single dose of midazolam, no interruption of breastfeeding is required. If the baby is newborn or premature, and you need more than a single dose of midazolam, we may recommend a pause in breastfeeding.

How long after surgery can you not breastfeed?

In most cases, you can resume breastfeeding when your baby has awakened from the anesthesia. However, surgery can be very disruptive and your baby may not be interested or ready to breastfeed immediately after surgery.

Is lidocaine excreted in breast milk?

Drug Levels
Milk MEGX levels were 97.5 and 52.7 mcg/L at 3 and 6 hours after the dose, respectively. [11] Using the average daily intake reported in this study, an exclusively breastfed infant would receive 0.9% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage of lidocaine and another 0.8% in the form of the metabolite MEGX.

Can I breastfeed after dental numbing?

There is no evidence to interrupt breastfeeding after the use of local anaesthetics. Local anaesthetics work by deadening sensation of the nerve endings around the tooth. There is no evidence of passage into breastmilk and therefore no reason not to continue breastfeeding.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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