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Related Experiment Videos

Acyclovir excretion in human breast milk

A Taddio1, J Klein, G Koren

  • 1Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|May 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

This study measured acyclovir levels in breast milk for a mother treating herpes zoster. Concentrations were clinically insignificant, allowing safe breastfeeding without adverse effects for the infant.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neonatal care
  • Infectious disease

Background:

  • Herpes zoster in lactating women requires antiviral treatment.
  • Acyclovir is a common antiviral medication.
  • Concerns exist regarding drug transfer into breast milk.

Observation:

  • A lactating woman received acyclovir (800 mg five times daily) for herpes zoster.
  • Breast milk samples were analyzed for acyclovir concentrations using radioimmunoassay (RIA).
  • Infant dosage via nursing was estimated at 0.73 mg/kg/d.

Findings:

  • Acyclovir concentrations in breast milk ranged from 4.16 to 5.81 micrograms/mL.
  • The estimated infant dose was approximately 1% of the maternal dose.
  • No adverse effects were observed in the nursing infant.

Implications:

  • Acyclovir transfer into breast milk appears minimal at therapeutic maternal doses.
  • Breastfeeding can likely continue safely during maternal acyclovir treatment for herpes zoster.
  • Further studies may be warranted to confirm safety in a larger cohort.

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