Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2015 Jan;24(1):1-20. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2014.09.005. Epub 2014 Nov 14.

Abstract

This article reviews the necessary skills required for clinicians to make informed decisions about the use of medications in breastfeeding women. Even without specific data on certain medications, this review of kinetic principles, mechanisms of medication entry into breast milk, and important infant factors can aid in clinical decision making. In addition, the article reviews common medical conditions (eg, depression, hypertension, infections) in breastfeeding women and their appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Antidepressants; Antipsychotics; Breastfeeding; Infant exposure; Medications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Feeding*
  • Caffeine / pharmacokinetics
  • Cotinine / pharmacokinetics
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Ethanol / pharmacokinetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / pharmacokinetics*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Milk, Human / chemistry*
  • Nicotine / pharmacokinetics
  • Prescription Drugs / pharmacokinetics*
  • Risk Assessment
  • United States

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Caffeine
  • Ethanol
  • Nicotine
  • Cotinine