Phenobarbital Liquid while Breastfeeding
What is Phenobarbital Liquid used for?
Is Phenobarbital Liquid usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?
Nursing Mothers Caution should be exercised when phenobarbital is administered to a nursing woman, because small amounts of barbiturates are excreted in the milk.
Phenobarbital Liquid Breastfeeding Analsys
Phenobarbital while Breastfeeding
Low RiskCAS Number: 50-06-6
It is a barbiturate drug. Because it has a sedative effect, it is being displaced by other anti-epilepsy drugs in the treatment of chronic epilepsy. Excretion into the breast milk is quite variable with concentrations that could reach clinically significant levels. A sedative effect in infants from mothers who were treated has been described, as well as Abstinence Syndrome with spasms after sudden weaning, mostly in newborns. Follow-up for alertness and adequate feeding in the infant is recommended. Plasma level monitoring may be required in infants for both cases in which sedation has occurred or a follow-up for a progressive weaning is desired.
Phenobarbital Liquid Breastfeeding Analsys - 2
Phenobarbital while Breastfeeding
CAS Number: 50-06-6
Inter- and intrapatient variability in excretion of phenobarbital into breastmilk is extensive. Phenobarbital in breastmilk apparently can decrease withdrawal symptoms in infants who were exposed in utero, but it can also cause drowsiness in some infants, especially when used with other sedating drugs. Monitor the infant for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when using combinations of psychotropic drugs. Sometimes breastfeeding might have to be limited or discontinued because of excessive drowsiness and poor weight gain. If there is concern, measurement of the infant's serum phenobarbital concentration might help rule out toxicity.
What should I do if I am breastfeeding mother and I am already exposed to Phenobarbital Liquid?
Phenobarbital Liquid is in the category of low risk, if you have already used it then its not a big deal if health and behavior of baby is good. However your health care provider shall be aware of the fact that you have used Phenobarbital Liquid so you should inform him based on your convenience.
I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Phenobarbital Liquid, is it safe?
Though Phenobarbital Liquid dose not comes in category of safe drugs rather it comes in category of low risk but if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding your baby and has still recommended it then its advantages must be outweighing the risks.
If I am using Phenobarbital Liquid, will my baby need extra monitoring?
Not much monitoring required while using Phenobarbital Liquid
Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Phenobarbital Liquid in breastfeeding?
US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday
UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700
Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week