What drugs are absolutely contraindicated while breastfeeding?

Understanding Contraindications for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant care, providing essential nutrients and fostering a strong bond between mother and child. However, many mothers face the dilemma of needing medication while nursing. It is crucial to understand which drugs are absolutely contraindicated during breastfeeding, as some can pose significant risks to the infant.
Key Drugs to Avoid
Certain categories of medications are known to be particularly harmful when taken by breastfeeding mothers. These include:
– Anticancer Drugs: Medications used in chemotherapy can have severe effects on a breastfeeding infant. These drugs are designed to target rapidly dividing cells, which can include not only cancer cells but also the rapidly growing cells in a nursing baby.
– Lithium: Commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, lithium can pass into breast milk and potentially lead to toxicity in infants. Monitoring is essential if a mother must take this medication.
– Oral Retinoids: These drugs, often prescribed for severe acne, are known to cause birth defects and can also be harmful when transferred through breast milk.
– Iodine and Amiodarone: Both of these medications can affect thyroid function in infants. Amiodarone, used for heart rhythm disorders, is particularly concerning due to its long half-life and potential accumulation in breast milk.
– Gold Salts: Used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, these can also be contraindicated due to their potential effects on the infant.
– Ergotamines: Typically used for migraine relief, these drugs can cause vasoconstriction and are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
– Amphetamines: Often prescribed for ADHD, these stimulants can affect a breastfeeding infant’s nervous system.
The Importance of Consultation
While the list of contraindicated drugs is significant, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare providers before making any decisions regarding medication. Many medications have safe alternatives that can be prescribed, ensuring that both the mother’s health and the infant’s safety are prioritized.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers must be cautious about the medications they take. Drugs such as anticancer agents, lithium, oral retinoids, iodine, amiodarone, gold salts, ergotamines, and amphetamines are among those that should be avoided due to their potential risks to infants. Always consult with a healthcare professional to explore safe options and ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

Which opioid should be avoided in breastfeeding?

Because most people do not know if they are ultra-rapid metabolizers, and because early signs of opioid overdose in an infant may be difficult to notice, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with codeine or tramadol.

What are absolute contraindications drugs?

There are also different types of contraindications: Absolute- These procedures or drugs could be life-threatening and should be avoided. One example would be the use of anticoagulants such as heparin after a recent surgery, due to increased bleeding risk.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

What is always contraindicated with breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.

What are the absolute contraindications for breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Which of the following are considered contraindications for breastfeeding mothers?

Examples include galactosemia, untreated HIV, untreated active tuberculosis, Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 or II, uses illicit drugs, or mothers undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

What is a contraindication in nursing?

(KON-truh-IN-dih-KAY-shun) Anything (including a symptom or medical condition) that is a reason for a person to not receive a particular treatment or procedure because it may be harmful.

What medications cannot be taken while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

What drugs are absolutely contraindicated in breastfeeding?

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.