[Breastfeeding and medications].
Breastfeeding is the most healthful method of feeding neonates and infants. In 2001 about 98% of new mothers in Lithuania started breastfeeding their neonates. One-third of nursing women (34%) discontinued breastfeeding at the time when infant reached the age of 3 months. About 56% of women breastfed their infants longer than 4 months. Only 3-6% of nursing women discontinued breastfeeding after the fourth month. Discontinuation of breastfeeding in 21-23% of all cases was directly or indirectly associated with use of medications. Such data suggest that there is a lack of information often leading physicians to advise mothers to discontinue breastfeeding because of medication use. The aim of this article was to survey the situation about classification of drugs used during breastfeeding and factors influencing drug transfer into milk in order to give more information for physician concerning the use of medication during breastfeeding. In this review, a short description of main pharmacokinetic characteristics, influencing drug transfer into milk; information on the classification of drugs used during breastfeeding; some considerations on drug safety and possible adverse effects of medications on breastfed infant; the list of drugs preferred for nursing women are presented.
Pilviniene
Rugile
R
Department of Theoretical and Clinical Pharmacology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania. rugile.pilviniene@gmail.com
Maciulaitis
Romaldas
R
Jankūnas
Rimas
R
Milvidaite
Irena
I
Markūniene
Egle
E
D000367:Age Factors; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects; D000075202:Contraindications; D003625:Data Collection; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000187:drug effects; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations