Etomidate use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Etomidate: Amidate
Etomidate Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Amounts of etomidate in milk are very small and decrease rapidly. Existing data indicate that no waiting period is required before resuming breastfeeding after etomidate anesthesia. Breastfeeding can be resumed as soon as the mother has recovered sufficiently from general anesthesia to nurse. When a combination of anesthetic agents is used for a procedure, follow the recommendations for the most problematic medication used during the procedure.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Twenty women undergoing cesarean section received 0.3 mg/kg of etomidate intravenously for induction of anesthesia. Average colostrum levels were 79.3 mcg/L (range 0 to 420 mcg/L) at 30 minutes and 16.2 mcg/L (range 0 to 60 mcg/L) at 2 hours after the dose. Etomidate was not detected in any colostrum samples 4 hours after the dose.[1]
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.
Possible Effects on Lactation
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
Methohexital, Propofol, Thiopental
References
1. Esener Z, Sarihasan B, Guven H et al. Thiopentone and etomidate concentrations in maternal and umbilical plasma, and in colostrum. Br J Anaesth. 1992;69:586-8. PMID: 1467101
Etomidate Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
33125-97-2
Drug Class
- Anesthetics, Intravenous
- Hypnotics and Sedatives
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
427
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2010-11-01
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...
- Etomidate 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.
