Balsalazide use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Balsalazide: Colazal, Giazo
Balsalazide Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Although no information exists on the excretion of balsalazide into breastmilk, it is metabolized to the active drug mesalamine. A few cases of diarrhea have been reported in infants exposed to mesalamine, although the rate is not high. European experts consider mesalamine derivatives to be safe during breastfeeding.[1] If balsalazide is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding, but observe breastfed infants for diarrhea.
Drug Levels
Balsalazide is a prodrug that liberates the active drug, mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid; 5-ASA), in the gastrointestinal tract. Mesalamine is metabolized to N-acetyl-5-ASA which is inactive in treating inflammatory bowel disease, but its possible effects on the breastfed infant are unknown.
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
The active metabolite of balsalazide, mesalamine, was probably responsible for diarrhea in a 6-week-old whose diarrhea recurred 4 times after rechallenge of the mother 4 times during breastfeeding.[2]
Diarrhea has also been reported anecdotally by some nursing mothers taking mesalamine,[3] but a small controlled study reported only in abstract form found no higher rate of diarrhea in the breastfed infants of mothers taking mesalamine than in control infants.[4]
Possible Effects on Lactation
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
References
1. van der Woude CJ, Kolacek S, Dotan I et al. European evidenced-based consensus on reproduction in inflammatory bowel disease. J Crohn's Colitis. 2010;4:493-510. PMID: 21122553
2. Nelis GF. Diarrhoea due to 5-aminosalicylic acid in breast milk. Lancet. 1989;333:383. Letter. PMID: 2563532
3. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M, Eliopoulos C, Koren G. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168:1393-9. PMID: 8498418
4. Moretti ME, Spiczynski Y, Hashemi G et al. Prospective follow-up of infants exposed to 5-aminosalicylic acid containing drugs through maternal milk. J Clin Pharmacol. 1998;38:867. Abstract.
Balsalazide Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
82101-18-6
Drug Class
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
- Gastrointestinal Agents
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
589
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2011-01-04
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.
See Also...
- Balsalazide use during Pregnancy
- Balsalazide Consumer Information
- Breastfeeding Support Group
- Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
- Medicine use while Breastfeeding
- Medicine use during Pregnancy
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy.
