Antacids, Oral use while Breastfeeding

Antacids, Oral Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Although no published information on the aluminum, calcium or magnesium content of milk during maternal antacid therapy could be found, additional intake of these minerals by a nursing mother is unlikely to surpass that found in other infant foods. In addition, oral absorption of aluminum and magnesium is poor. Because of these factors, reviewers generally consider antacid use during breastfeeding to be acceptable.[1][2][3][4] No special precautions are required.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. The aluminum content of human milk is normally lower than cow's milk and much lower than infant formula.[5][6]

Magnesium is a normal component of human milk.[7] When magnesium is administered intravenously in large doses, milk magnesium levels are increased only slightly.[8]

Calcium is a normal component of human milk.[7]

Alginic acid and simethicone, which are components of some antacids are not absorbed orally.[1][9]

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Cimetidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Ranitidine, Sucralfate

References

1. Lewis JH, Weingold AB and the Committee of FDA-Related Matters, American College of Gastroenterology. The use of gastrointestinal drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Gastroenterol. 1985;80:912-23. PMID: 2864852

2. Broussard CN, Richter JE. Treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy and lactation: what are the safest therapy options? Drug Saf. 1998;19:325-37. PMID: 9804446

3. WHO Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development. Breastfeeding and maternal medication. Recommendations for drugs in the eleventh WHO model list of essential drugs. 2002.

4. Richter JE. Review article: The management of heartburn in pregnancy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2005;22:749-57. PMID: 16225482

5. Fernandez-Lorenzo JR, Cocho JA et al. Aluminum contents of human milk, cow's milk, and infant formulas. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1999;28:270-5. PMID: 10067727

6. Mandic ML, Grgic J et al. Aluminum levels in human milk. Sci Total Environ. 1995;170:165-70. PMID: 7481740

7. Neville MC. Calcium secretion into milk. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2005;10:119-28. PMID: 16025219

8. Cruikshank DP, Varner MW, Pitkin RM. Breast milk magnesium and calcium concentrations following magnesium sulfate treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1982;143:685-8. PMID: 7091241

9. Hagemann TM. Gastrointestinal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1998;14:259-62. PMID: 10205441

Antacids, Oral Identification

Substance Name

Antacids, Oral

Drug Class

Antacids

Anti-Ulcer Agents

Gastrointestinal Agents

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

447

Disclaimer

Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

Further information

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