Methadone exposure during lactation.
OBJECTIVE
One of my patients is currently using methadone for maintenance of opioid dependence. She wants to breastfeed. Is breastfeeding safe for her infant?


CONCLUSIONS
The exposure of infants to methadone through their mothers' breast milk is minimal. Women using methadone for treatment of opioid dependence should not be discouraged from breastfeeding. The benefits of breastfeeding largely outweigh any theoretical minimal risks.
Glatstein
Miguel Marcelo
MM
Motherisk Team, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Garcia-Bournissen
Facundo
F
Finkelstein
Yaron
Y
Koren
Gideon
G
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects*; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D008691:Methadone