21st March 2024

Breastfeeding

Many drugs given to lactating women are detectable in breast milk. The concentration is usually low however several drugs have significant effects on the nursing infant. BNF recommends continually checking the breastfeeding section for every drug as the data is constantly changing.

Common drugs that have reported significant effects on the breastfed infant
Amiodarone	Long half life, iodine-containing
Antineoplastics	Leukopenia, bone marrow suppression
Chloramphenicol	Concentrations are usually too low to cause grey baby syndrome however it may lead to bone marrow suppression
Diazepam	Drowsiness and sedation of the infant
Heroin (& methadone)	Can cause neonatal dependence on opioids
Iodine	High doses (> 150 micrograms daily) lead to a risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding not recommended as it can pass through breastmilk

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