Zidovudine Syrup while Breastfeeding
Most health expert recommend six month of exclusive breastfeeding but statics suggest that numbers are not good, almost 95% mothers start breastfeeding but this number drops to 40% in first three month and further it drops to 15% till fifth month. Sometime its due to need of medication usage. Because of these statics its important to provide good information on safety of drugs in breastfeeding so that it can be improved when possible. In this FAQ sheet we will discuss about exposure to Zidovudine Syrup while breastfeeding. We will also discuss about common side effects and warnings associated with Zidovudine Syrup.

What is Zidovudine Syrup used for?


Zidovudine is a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor indicated for: Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. (1.1) Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission. (1.2) 1.1 Treatment of HIV-1 Zidovudine Syrup (Zidovudine oral solution), a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. 1.2 Prevention of Maternal-Fetal HIV-1 Transmission Zidovudine Syrup (Zidovudine oral solution) is indicated for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. The indication is based on a dosing regimen that included 3 components: antepartum therapy of HIV-1 infected mothers intrapartum therapy of HIV-1 infected mothers post-partum therapy of HIV-1 exposed neonate. Points to consider prior to initiating zidovudine in pregnant women for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission include: In most cases, zidovudine for prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission should be given in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Prevention of HIV-1 transmission in women who have received zidovudine for a prolonged period before pregnancy has not been evaluated. Because the fetus is most susceptible to the potential teratogenic effects of drugs during the first 10 weeks of gestation and the risks of therapy with zidovudine during that period are not fully known, women in the first trimester of pregnancy who do not require immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy for their own health may consider delaying use; this indication is based on use after 14 weeks' gestation.

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

Zidovudine Syrup low risk for breastfeeding
Zidovudine is the one and only active ingredient present in Zidovudine Syrup. Zidovudine in itself is a low risk drug for lactation so it is easy to understand that Zidovudine Syrup also comes in category of Low Risk item while breastfeeding. Below is the summary of Zidovudine in breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that HIV-1-infected mothers in the United States not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1 infection. Zidovudine is present in human milk. There is no information on the effects of zidovudine on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production. Because of the potential for (1) HIV-1 transmission (in HIV-negative infants), (2) developing viral resistance (in HIV-positive infants), and (3) adverse reactions in a breastfed infant instruct mothers not to breastfeed if they are receiving zidovudine.

Zidovudine Syrup Breastfeeding Analsys


Zidovudine while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 30516-87-1

Anti-HIV drug. It is used to decrease the risk of vertical transmission in newborns. Mothers must be adviced that transmission of HIV infection through breastfeeding has been documented.

Zidovudine Syrup Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Zidovudine while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 30516-87-1

Is Zidovudine Syrup safe while breastfeeding

In the United States and other developed countries, HIV-infected mothers should generally not breastfeed their infants. Zidovudine has been well studied during breastfeeding. In countries in which no acceptable, feasible, sustainable and safe replacement feeding is available, World Health Organization guidelines recommend that all women with an HIV infection who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be maintained on antiretroviral therapy for at least the duration of risk for mother-to-child transmission. Mothers should exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first 6 months of life; breastfeeding with complementary feeding should continue through at least 12 months of life up to 24 months of life.[1] The first choice regimen for nursing mothers is tenofovir, efavirenz and either lamivudine or emtricitabine. If these drugs are unavailable, alternative regimens include: 1) zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz; 2) zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine; or 3) tenofovir, nevirapine and either lamivudine or emtricitabine. Exclusively breastfed infants should also receive 6 weeks of prophylaxis with nevirapine.[2][3] Breastfed infants whose mothers receive a highly active antiretroviral (HAART) regimen containing zidovudine have higher rates of neutropenia during the first month and severe anemia during the first 6 months of life.


What should I do if already breastfed my kid after using Zidovudine Syrup?

Zidovudine Syrup 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 Zidovudine Syrup so you should inform him based on your convenience.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Zidovudine Syrup, is it safe?

Zidovudine Syrup comes in category of low risk and if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding it should be ok to use without much concerns.


If I am using Zidovudine Syrup, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much monitoring required while using Zidovudine Syrup


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Zidovudine Syrup 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