Antiparasitic drugs and lactation: focus on anthelmintics, scabicides, and pediculicides

J Hum Lact. 2003 Nov;19(4):421-5. doi: 10.1177/0890334403258133.

Abstract

Infections involving helminths or parasitic worms affect more than 25% of the population worldwide. Because lactating women and their infants are often affected by the complications of these infections such as iron deficiency anemia and malnutrition, they benefit the most from drug therapy. However, scientific literature offers little information regarding transfer of anthelmintics in breast milk and its effects in lactating infants. Scabies and pediculosis, or lice, are common skin infections affecting school-aged children. Close contacts of infected children, which often include lactating mothers, need treatment with one of the several topical products available in the market. This article will review the physicochemical properties and use of anthelmintics, pediculicides, and scabicides while breastfeeding.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / adverse effects
  • Anthelmintics / pharmacokinetics
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Antiparasitic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antiparasitic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antiparasitic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Breast Feeding* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Helminthiasis / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lactation / drug effects
  • Lactation / metabolism*
  • Lice Infestations / drug therapy
  • Milk, Human / chemistry
  • Milk, Human / drug effects*
  • Milk, Human / metabolism
  • Scabies / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Antiparasitic Agents