Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » How long does oxycodone stay in your breastmilk?

How long does oxycodone stay in your breastmilk?

Understanding Oxycodone in Breast Milk
Oxycodone, a potent opioid pain medication, raises important questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. When a lactating mother takes oxycodone, the drug does transfer into breast milk, which can potentially affect the nursing infant.
Duration of Oxycodone in Breast Milk
Research indicates that oxycodone can be detected in breast milk for up to 72 hours after administration. A study involving 76 mothers who were taking a median dosage of 33.0 mg daily found that the highest concentration of oxycodone in breast milk occurred within the first three hours post-dose, averaging 10.6 mcg/L. This concentration gradually decreases over time, but traces of the drug can still be present in the milk for several days.
Implications for Breastfeeding Infants
While oxycodone does enter breast milk, the amount that a breastfeeding infant might receive is relatively low. It has been reported that infants may receive more than 10% of a therapeutic dose based on maternal intake. However, the risk to the infant is considered minimal, especially when the mother is taking oxycodone as prescribed and in moderate amounts. The volume of breast milk consumed by infants is typically small, which further mitigates potential risks.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
For nursing mothers prescribed oxycodone, it is crucial to consult healthcare providers regarding the timing of doses in relation to breastfeeding. Many experts suggest that if a mother takes oxycodone, she should consider breastfeeding just before taking the medication or waiting a few hours after taking it to minimize the infant’s exposure to the drug.
In summary, while oxycodone does appear in breast milk and can be detected for up to 72 hours, the actual risk to breastfeeding infants is generally low when the medication is used responsibly. Mothers should always seek personalized medical advice to ensure the safety of both themselves and their babies.

How long after oxycodone can you breastfeed?

Conclusions: Oxycodone is concentrated in human breast milk up to 72-h post-partum. Breastfed infants may receive > 10% of a therapeutic infant dose. However, maternal oxycodone intake up to 72-h post-CS poses only minimal risk to the breast-feeding infant as low volumes of breast milk are ingested during this period.

Do pain killers pass through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants.

How long does it take for oxycodone to leave breast milk?

Conclusions: Oxycodone is concentrated in human breast milk up to 72-h post-partum. Breastfed infants may receive > 10% of a therapeutic infant dose. However, maternal oxycodone intake up to 72-h post-CS poses only minimal risk to the breast-feeding infant as low volumes of breast milk are ingested during this period.

Is oxycodone safe postpartum?

Oxycodone used around the time of delivery can affect the baby after birth. The baby may be ‘jittery’, have feeding problems, and initially need some help with breathing. These problems usually settle within the first few days.

How long after taking hydrocodone can I breastfeed again?

The time hydrocodone is highest in your breastmilk (Tmax) is the first hour after your dose, and the half-life (time it takes for half of the medication to be eliminated from your system) is 4 hours after your dose. If you are waiting eight hours, that allows 75 percent of the drug to be eliminated.

How long do you have to wait to breastfeed after taking a pain pill?

The amount that transfers into breast milk is 2.2-3.7% of your dose. We think short term use is probably ok if you do not exceed 40mg in 24 hours. We recommend taking the medication after nursing so you have a break before nursing again as the medication peaks in the breast milk in the first 2 hours after taking it.

How long do opioids stay in breastmilk?

Tramadol (Ultram) can stay in breast milk for longer than 10 hours. Fentanyl (Duragesic) stays in breast milk for an unclear amount of time. Methadone (Methadose) likely stays in breastmilk for up to 50 hours, based on its half-life in breastmilk of 8 to 10 hours.

When does oxycodone peak in breastmilk?

One small study suggests that oxycodone levels in breast milk peak 1–2 hours after the last dose. The same study found detectable levels of oxycodone in breast milk 4, 12, and 36 hours after the last dose, though the concentration in the milk varied.

Can you breastfeed while on oxycodone?

Oxycodone and breastfeeding
Although only small amounts of oxycodone pass into breast milk, it may still cause side effects in your baby such as breathing problems, being very sleepy, or difficulty feeding. Because of this potential risk, your doctor may recommend a different painkiller while you’re breastfeeding.

Can I breastfeed while on oxycodone?

Oxycodone and breastfeeding
Although only small amounts of oxycodone pass into breast milk, it may still cause side effects in your baby such as breathing problems, being very sleepy, or difficulty feeding. Because of this potential risk, your doctor may recommend a different painkiller while you’re 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.

Leave a Comment