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Acitretin excretion into human breast milk
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study investigated retinoid transfer into breast milk. Acitretin transfer was minimal, but its toxicity warrants avoidance in breastfeeding women.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Lactational Pharmacology
Background:
- Acitretin, an oral retinoid, is used for dermatologic conditions.
- Breastfeeding while on systemic retinoids presents potential risks to the infant.
Observation:
- A psoriatic woman on oral acitretin (40 mg daily) was monitored for drug transfer into breast milk.
- Serum and mature milk concentrations of acitretin and its metabolite (13-cis acitretin) were measured over nine days.
Findings:
- Trace amounts of acitretin and its metabolite were detected in breast milk (30-40 ng/ml) at steady-state.
- The milk-to-serum concentration ratio was approximately 0.18.
- Acitretin was primarily found in the fatty components of breast milk.
Implications:
- The estimated infant dose via breastfeeding is about 1.5% of the maternal dose.
- Despite low transfer, the known toxicity of acitretin necessitates caution.
- Acitretin should be avoided in breastfeeding women due to potential infant toxicity.