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Could local anesthesia while breast-feeding be harmful to infants?
M Giuliani1, G B Grossi, M Pileri
1School of Dentistry, Catholic University of Rome, Italy.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|April 26, 2001
Summary
Breastfeeding mothers can safely continue nursing after dental procedures using lidocaine without adrenaline. This study measured lidocaine and MEGX levels in breast milk, finding infant doses to be minimal.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Lactation Studies
Background:
- Limited research exists on local anesthetic levels in breast milk.
- Assessing the safety of lidocaine during breastfeeding is crucial for maternal and infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify lidocaine and its metabolite, monoethyl-glycine-xylidide (MEGX), in breast milk post-dental anesthesia.
- To evaluate potential infant exposure and toxicity risks.
Main Methods:
- Seven nursing mothers received lidocaine (2%) without adrenaline for dental procedures.
- High-performance liquid chromatography measured lidocaine and MEGX in maternal plasma and breast milk.
- Milk-to-plasma ratios and estimated infant daily doses were calculated.
Main Results:
- Lidocaine levels in milk ranged from 120.5 microg/L (3 hours) to 58.3 microg/L (6 hours).
- MEGX levels in milk ranged from 97.5 microg/L (3 hours) to 52.7 microg/L (6 hours).
- Estimated daily infant doses were 73.41 microg/L for lidocaine and 66.1 microg/L for MEGX.
Conclusions:
- Lidocaine administered for dental procedures results in low levels in breast milk.
- Estimated infant exposure to lidocaine and MEGX is below potentially toxic thresholds.
- Breastfeeding can be safely continued by mothers receiving lidocaine anesthesia without adrenaline.