Information in this record refers to the use of iodohippurate sodium I 131 (ortho-iodohippurate sodium I 131; I-131 OIH) as a diagnostic agent. A US Nuclear Regulatory Commission subcommittee has recommended should be interrupted for 4 hours after administration of I-131 OIH.[1] However, some experts recommend nursing the infant just before administration of the radiopharmaceutical and interrupting breastfeeding for 12 to 30 hours after the dose.[2-4] If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[2,5,6] Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level, she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[7]
Nursing mothers should not work with substances containing I 131 in their workplace.[8]