What drugs can pass through a mothers breast milk and harm a nursing baby?

Understanding the Risks of Drug Transfer Through Breast Milk
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the best source of nutrition for infants, but it raises important questions about the safety of medications and substances that nursing mothers may consume. While many commonly used drugs are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and their babies, certain substances can pose significant risks to a nursing infant.
Safe Medications vs. Harmful Substances
Most medications that are prescribed to breastfeeding mothers are relatively safe, as the amount transferred through breast milk is typically small and much lower than the doses that would be administered directly to infants. However, the safety of a drug can depend on various factors, including its chemical properties and the mother’s health condition.
Drugs that are contraindicated during breastfeeding include those that can cause severe adverse effects in infants. For instance, substances like amphetamines, heroin, and cocaine are particularly concerning. Mothers who use these drugs are advised to express and discard their breast milk for a significant period—ranging from 24 hours to several days—after use to prevent exposure to their infants. The risks associated with these substances can include serious health issues, such as cardiopulmonary failure in infants.
Specific Drugs of Concern
1. Amphetamines and Methamphetamines: These stimulants can lead to increased heart rate and agitation in infants. Mothers using these drugs should avoid breastfeeding and consider alternative feeding methods.
2. Cocaine: Cocaine use during breastfeeding can lead to severe neurological and developmental issues in infants. The drug can cause irritability and feeding difficulties.
3. MDMA (Ecstasy): Similar to methamphetamines, MDMA can have harmful effects on a nursing baby, and mothers are advised against breastfeeding if they have used this substance.
4. Certain Prescription Medications: Some medications, particularly those that are highly lipid-soluble or have central nervous system effects, can easily pass into breast milk. This includes certain antidepressants and antipsychotics, which may require careful monitoring for side effects in infants.
The Importance of Consultation
Given the complexities involved, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare providers before taking any medication. The decision to use a particular drug should weigh the benefits for the mother against the potential risks to the infant. In some cases, alternative treatments that are safer for breastfeeding may be available.
Conclusion
While many medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers, certain drugs can pose serious risks to nursing infants. Mothers should be vigilant about the substances they consume and seek professional guidance to ensure the health and safety of their babies. The overarching message is clear: when it comes to breastfeeding and drug use, caution and informed decision-making are paramount.

What substances can pass through breast milk?

A woman’s lifestyle may affect her breast milk, and have an impact on the baby. During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman not to consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. These substances are known to pass through the breast milk.

Which drugs are excreted through breast milk?

• analgesics and antipyretics: short courses of paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen;
• antibiotics: ampicillin, amoxicillin, cloxacillin and other penicillins, erythromycin.
• bronchodilators (e.g. salbutamol), corticosteroids, antihistamines, antacids.

Can anything be passed through breast milk?

Three viruses (CMV, HIV, and HTLV-I) frequently cause infection or disease as a result of breast-milk transmission.

What drugs can pass through a mother’s breast milk and harm a nursing baby?

Drugs

• If you use amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine or heroin, you should not breastfeed for 24 hours after use.
• If you smoke cannabis or tobacco you should breastfeed your baby before you smoke, and smoke outside and away from the baby. Do not have your baby in the same room as the smoke.

What drugs are not given in lactating mothers?

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.

Which drugs are not given in lactating mother?

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.

What drugs show up in breast milk?

Most drug molecules, including alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, are small enough to enter milk. Exceptions are drugs with high molecular weights such as heparins and insulin.

What drugs are unsafe while 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.

What medications pass through breast milk?

Small amounts of any medicine you take may pass through your breast milk to your baby. Generally, the amounts are very low and very few medicines are unsafe while you’re breastfeeding.

Can I breastfeed with Hep B?

Mothers with hepatitis B or C infections can breastfeed their infants.