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Levofloxacin secretion in breast milk: a case report
John B Cahill1, Elaine M Bailey, Shuchean Chien
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. cahilljb@musc.edu
Pharmacotherapy
|March 16, 2005
Summary
Levofloxacin levels in breast milk peak similarly to plasma concentrations. However, the infant exposure remains below therapeutic levels for pediatric studies.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Lactation Studies
Background:
- Levofloxacin is a widely used antibiotic.
- Assessing drug transfer into human breast milk is crucial for infant safety during lactation.
Observation:
- Breast milk samples were collected from a lactating woman receiving levofloxacin 500 mg/day.
- Levofloxacin concentrations in breast milk were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Findings:
- Peak levofloxacin concentration in breast milk reached 8.2 microg/ml at 5 hours post-dose.
- Breast milk levofloxacin levels were comparable to maternal plasma concentrations.
- Infant exposure to levofloxacin via breast milk was below levels investigated in pediatric clinical trials.
Implications:
- Maternal levofloxacin use results in infant exposure to sub-therapeutic concentrations.
- This study provides key pharmacokinetic data for breastfeeding mothers prescribed levofloxacin.
- Further research may explore the long-term effects of low-level infant exposure.