Safety of Medications During Breastfeeding

Factors Affecting Drug Transfer into Breast Milk

• Molecular weight, plasma protein binding, and drug half-life are factors that affect drug transfer into breast milk, with larger molecules, higher protein binding, and shorter half-life drugs posing less risk to the infant 1, 2
• A drug with a proportion <10% of maternal dose is considered to be the preferred option, as it minimizes the relative infant dose 1, 2

Practical Considerations

• Monitoring the infant for any unusual symptoms such as changes in stool pattern, irritability, or poor feeding is recommended when the mother is taking medications during breastfeeding 3
• Non-pharmacological approaches for constipation, such as increased fluid intake and dietary fiber, can be considered as first-line options, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 4