Phenytoin Sodium Capsule Breastfeeding

American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical experts exclusively recommend to breastfeed the baby for first 6 months. Once you introduce baby to other foods it is recommended to breastfeed for at least first year of babys life. Taking medication while breastfeeding could be tricky as most drugs pass in breast milk. In this article we will evaluate Phenytoin Sodium Capsule for its safety in breastfeeding.

What is Phenytoin Sodium Capsule used for?


SECTION Extended phenytoin sodium capsules, USP are indicated for the control of generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) and complex partial (psychomotor, temporal lobe) seizures and prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during or following neurosurgery. Phenytoin serum level determinations may be necessary for optimal dosage adjustments (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY sections).

Is Phenytoin Sodium Capsule usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Phenytoin Sodium Capsule safe for breastfeeding
Active ingredient in Phenytoin Sodium Capsule is Phenytoin sodium and based on our analysis of Phenytoin sodium it appears that using Phenytoin Sodium Capsule is safe in breastfeeding. Below is analysis of Phenytoin sodium while breastfeeding.

Phenytoin Sodium Capsule Breastfeeding Analsys


Phenytoin sodium while Breastfeeding

Safe

CAS Number: 57-41-0

Type IB antiarrhythmic agent and anticonvulsant drug. It is excreted into breast milk in clinically non-significant amount and no problems have appeared on clinical follow up, and, long-term psychomotor development in infants whose mothers received this treatment, except in some isolated cases of patients who were on anticonvulsant polytherapy.Plasma levels in these infants were undetectable or very low. It may appear a withdrawal syndrome with hyperexcitability after abruptly stopping breastfeeding. It has been authorized for use in infants and newborns. American Academy of Pediatrics states that it is usually compatible with breastfeeding medication.WHO List of Essential Medicines 2002: compatible with breastfeeding.

Phenytoin Sodium Capsule Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Phenytoin sodium while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 57-41-0

Breastfeeding during phenytoin monotherapy does not appear to adversely affect infant growth or development, and breastfed infants had higher IQs and enhanced verbal abilities than nonbreastfed infants at 6 years of age in one study.[1] If phenytoin is required by the mother, it is not necessarily a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Because of the low levels of phenytoin in breastmilk, amounts ingested by the infant are small and usually cause no difficulties in breastfed infants when used alone except for rare idiosyncratic reactions. Combination therapy with sedating anticonvulsants or psychotropics may result in infant sedation or withdrawal reactions. In one case report, maternal phenytoin dosage requirements decreased as breastfeeding was discontinued.[2]


I already used Phenytoin Sodium Capsule and meanwhile I breastfed my baby should I be concerned?

Phenytoin Sodium Capsule is safe in breastfeeding and should not create any health problem for your baby but in case you feel any health issue associated with Phenytoin Sodium Capsule you should contact your doctor or health care provider. Be it pregnancy or lactation you shall keep your doctor informed.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Phenytoin Sodium Capsule, is it safe?

Definitely, Phenytoin Sodium Capsule is safe in lactation for baby. No wonder your doctor has recommended it.


If I am using Phenytoin Sodium Capsule, will my baby need extra monitoring?

No extra baby monitoring required while mother is using Phenytoin Sodium Capsule


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Phenytoin Sodium Capsule 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

Drug Brands with same Active ingredients

Dilantin | Extended Phenytoin Sodium Capsule
Phenytek | Extended Phenytoin Sodium Capsule, Extended Release
Fosphenytoin Sodium | Fosphenytoin Injection