Botulin A use while Breastfeeding
Botulin A Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
No data exist on the medical use of botulin A (botulinum toxin) during breastfeeding. However, one infant was safely breastfed during maternal botulism and no botulinum toxin was detectable in the mother's milk or infant. Since the doses used medically are far lower than those that cause botulism, amounts ingested by the infant, if any, are expected to be insignificant and not cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. No special precautions are required.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Published information on the medical use of botulin A during breastfeeding was not found as of the revision date.
A woman with documented botulism was given 2 vials of trivalent botulism antitoxin, 1 intravenously and 1 intramuscularly. A milk sample obtained 4 hours after administration of the antitoxin had no detectable botulinum toxin nor botulism organisms.[1]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Published information on the medical use of botulin A during breastfeeding was not found as of the revision date.
A woman developed botulism after ingesting fermented salmon eggs while breastfeeding her 8-month-old infant (extent not stated). Type A botulinum toxin was detected in the woman's blood and stools. No botulinum toxin was detected in the infant's blood or stool on the day the mother was admitted to the hospital and no botulism organisms were detected in the infant's stools. The infant developed no signs or symptoms of botulism even though she continued to nurse throughout the mother's hospitalization.[1]
Possible Effects on Lactation
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
1. Middaugh J. Botulism and breast milk. N Engl J Med. 1978;298:343. PMID: 622098
Botulin A Identification
Substance Name
Botulin A
CAS Registry Number
93384-43-1
Drug Class
- Bacterial Toxins
- Neuromuscular Agents
- Neurotoxins
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
521
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2009-08-06
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.
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.
