title: Chronic illness and the breastfeeding mother.
abstract: Medications taken for chronic illness (e.g., depression, epilepsy, immunological conditions) while breastfeeding pose challenges to risk-assessment. Based on several cases of drug toxicity (or lack thereof) in the breastfeeding infant, individual risk:benefit analyses are discussed. The benefits of human milk are highlighted, together with clinically important principles for patient management, the spectrum of adverse effects in the infant, and emerging concerns regarding the safety of some medications during breastfeeding. A practical guide for patient management is presented.
authors.forename: Shinya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ito
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents