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Ivermectin levels in human breastmilk
J E Ogbuokiri1, B C Ozumba, P O Okonkwo
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Ivermectin levels in breast milk were found to be low after a single oral dose in healthy mothers. These findings suggest that lactating women may not need to be excluded from mass ivermectin chemotherapy programs.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Maternal-Child Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Ivermectin is widely used in mass drug administration programs for parasitic infections.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety of ivermectin excretion into breast milk for nursing infants.
- Limited data is available on ivermectin concentrations in human breast milk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify ivermectin levels in the plasma and breast milk of healthy lactating mothers.
- To assess the potential risk of ivermectin exposure to breastfed infants.
Main Methods:
- Four healthy lactating mothers received a single oral dose of ivermectin (150 micrograms/kg).
- Plasma and breast milk samples were collected to measure ivermectin concentrations.
- Steady-state levels were determined using validated analytical methods.
Main Results:
- Mean plasma ivermectin concentration was 37.9 +/- 0.54 ng/ml.
- Mean breast milk ivermectin concentration was 14.13 +/- 0.43 ng/ml.
- Steady-state ivermectin levels detected in breast milk were consistently low.
Conclusions:
- The low concentration of ivermectin in breast milk suggests minimal infant exposure.
- Exclusion of lactating mothers from ivermectin mass chemotherapy may not be necessary.
- Further research could explore long-term infant outcomes with low-level exposure.