Safety Profile of the Most Ordered Medications for Breastfeeding Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Courtney Premer, Kelsea Caruso
Published in: American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2024 March 8
Conclusion:
The vast majority of medications prescribed in acute care settings are compatible with breastfeeding, suggesting that pumping and dumping should rarely be recommended in the ED. This study provides a foundation for a treatment algorithm to guide EM physicians in managing breastfeeding patients, minimizing unnecessary cessation of breastfeeding due to medication concerns.
Methods:
The study reviewed the 90 most frequently administered medications to female patients aged 15 to 50 presenting with common ED complaints at a tertiary care academic center from January 2018 to December 2022, totaling 145,960 doses. Safety information was gathered from LactMed®, InfantRisk Application, and PubMed®, with medications categorized accordingly. A treatment algorithm for breastfeeding patients in the ED was developed based on the findings.
Results:
- Analgesics, ranging from ibuprofen to morphine, were the most commonly ordered medications and are considered safe for breastfeeding in limited doses.
- Antibiotics and antifungals generally pose limited restrictions for breastfeeding patients.
- Medications for various systems (cardiac, gastrointestinal, etc.) have several safe options for breastfeeding.
- Supplements and electrolytes were deemed safe for breastfeeding patients.