Which drugs are excreted through breast milk?

Understanding Drug Excretion Through Breast Milk
The topic of drug excretion through breast milk is crucial for nursing mothers who may be concerned about the safety of their infants while taking medications. While many commonly used drugs are considered relatively safe for breastfeeding, the dynamics of how drugs transfer into breast milk can vary significantly based on several factors.
Mechanisms of Drug Transfer
The transfer of drugs into breast milk is influenced by pharmacokinetic properties such as the drug’s molecular weight, lipid solubility, and protein binding. Generally, smaller, more lipid-soluble molecules are more likely to pass into breast milk. The concentration of a drug in breast milk can also depend on the timing of the dose relative to breastfeeding; drugs taken shortly before feeding may have higher concentrations in milk at that time.
Commonly Used Medications
Most medications that breastfeeding mothers take are excreted in small amounts through breast milk, often at doses much lower than those that would be administered directly to infants. This means that, in many cases, the risk of adverse effects on the baby is minimal. For instance, medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and certain pain relievers are often deemed safe, provided they are used judiciously and under medical guidance.
Concerns and Recommendations
Despite the general safety of many medications, there are still drugs that are contraindicated during breastfeeding. These include certain chemotherapeutic agents, radioactive compounds, and some psychiatric medications, which can pose significant risks to infants. Health professionals often advise mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits of medication against potential risks to their breastfeeding infants.
Moreover, lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive caffeine intake can also affect drug excretion and overall infant health. Mothers are encouraged to limit these substances to ensure the safety of their breastfed babies.
Conclusion
In summary, while many drugs are excreted through breast milk, the amounts are typically small and often safe for infants. However, nursing mothers should always consult healthcare professionals regarding the medications they are taking to ensure both their health and the safety of their babies. Understanding the principles of drug transfer into breast milk can help alleviate fears and promote informed decision-making about breastfeeding while on medication.

What drugs are excreted in breast milk?

In addition, a study is described confirming the presence of caffeine, codeine, morphine, phenacetin, acetaminophen, and salicylic acid in the breast milk of a lactating mother following oral administration of a combination analgesic containing aspirin, phenacetin, caffeine, and codeine.

What drugs are not given in lactating mothers?

Drugs contraindicated during breastfeeding include anticancer drugs, lithium, oral retinoids, iodine, amiodarone and gold salts. An understanding of the principles underlying the transfer into breast milk is important, as is an awareness of the potential adverse effects on the infant.

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.

Can anything be passed through breast milk?

Infectious organisms can reach the breast milk either by secretion in the fluid or cellular components of breast milk or by contamination of the milk at the time of or after expression.

What happens if you breastfeed with drugs in your system?

There is still a lot we don’t know about the effects of drugs on your baby when you are breastfeeding but it’s thought that, even at low levels, taking drugs is likely to: make your baby drowsy, feed poorly and have disturbed sleep patterns and poor weight gain. cause behavioural problems.

What are unsafe drugs 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.

Which is not excreted in breast milk?

Insulin is not excreted into breast milk and is considered safe for use during breast-feeding.

What passes through breast milk?

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.

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.

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.