What drugs show up in breast milk?

Understanding Drug Transfer into Breast Milk
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant nutrition, but it raises important questions regarding the safety of drug exposure through breast milk. Many mothers are concerned about the potential transfer of medications and substances into their milk, which can affect their infants. Research indicates that various drugs can indeed show up in breast milk, but the implications for infant health vary significantly depending on the substance in question.
Factors Influencing Drug Transfer
The transfer of drugs into breast milk is influenced by several pharmacokinetic factors, including the drug’s molecular weight, solubility, and the mother’s metabolism. Generally, the amount of drug excreted into breast milk is relatively small compared to the doses that would be administered directly to infants. This means that while some drugs do enter breast milk, the concentrations are often low enough to be considered safe for breastfeeding infants.
Commonly Used Medications
Most commonly used medications, such as pain relievers and antibiotics, are deemed relatively safe for breastfeeding mothers. Studies suggest that the doses received by infants through breast milk are significantly lower than the established safe doses for direct administration to neonates. This has led to a growing consensus among healthcare professionals that many mothers can continue their essential medications without significant risk to their babies.
Substances of Concern
However, not all substances are safe. Drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and marijuana, pose significant risks. For instance, maternal cocaine use during breastfeeding can lead to serious health issues for the infant, including potential developmental delays and withdrawal symptoms. Similarly, the use of other illicit drugs can have harmful effects, and mothers are often advised to avoid breastfeeding if they have used such substances.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Healthcare providers typically recommend that breastfeeding mothers limit their intake of certain substances. For example, it is advised to avoid smoking and limit caffeine consumption to no more than three cups of coffee per day. If a mother must take medication, it is often suggested to time the dosage so that it occurs shortly after breastfeeding, minimizing the amount of drug present in the milk during the next feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while many medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants, there are notable exceptions, particularly with drugs of abuse. Mothers should consult healthcare professionals regarding their specific medications and any concerns about breastfeeding. The overarching message is that with proper guidance, most mothers can safely continue breastfeeding while managing their health needs.

Does breast milk excrete drugs?

Most drugs taken by the mother are excreted in small amounts in breast milk.

What substances are in breast milk?

Mature human milk contains 3%–5% fat, 0.8%–0.9% protein, 6.9%–7.2% carbohydrate calculated as lactose, and 0.2% mineral constituents expressed as ash. Its energy content is 60–75 kcal/100 ml. Protein content is markedly higher and carbohydrate content lower in colostrum than in mature milk.

What drugs can pass through breast milk?

most antibiotics. asthma inhalers. vitamins (but only at the recommended dose) the painkiller paracetamol – you should check with a GP or midwife before taking paracetamol if it’s combined with other medicines.

What passes through breast milk to a baby?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

What do they test for in breast milk?

Focused on 14 key nutrients, fatty acids and toxins that are most impactful for your child’s growth and development, our tests safeguard against exposure to heavy metals and other harmful toxins while offering helpful dietary and nutritional guidance.

How long does oxycodone stay in breastmilk?

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.

How long do drugs stay in breastmilk?

A breastfeeding plan
If you do use drugs such as amphetamines or heroin as a one-off, you will need to express your breast milk in the 24 hours afterwards and throw it away before you breastfeed again. After using drugs, it is not safe for you to care for or breastfeed your baby.

Will my baby be drug tested after birth?

After a baby is born, the baby’s provider may decide to send urine, meconium (baby’s first poop), or a piece of the baby’s umbilical cord for drug testing. Meconium and umbilical cord tests can detect what the baby was exposed to during the last three months of pregnancy.

Which drugs are affected by milk?

Common dairy product interactions include certain antibiotics, such as tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, osteoporosis medications, and iron supplements. Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid), lithium (Lithobid), and HIV medications also interact with dairy products.

Can breast milk be checked for drugs?

Human milk has a narrow detection window (a few hours to 1 day) for common toxic substances such as nicotine, cotinine, caffeine, cocaine, heroin, and morphine.