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Iodofiltic Acid I 123 use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 30, 2023.

Iodofiltic Acid I 123 Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Information in this record refers to the use of iodofiltic acid I 123 (beta-methyl-15-(4-iodophenyl) pentadecanoic acid; I 123 BMIPP) as a diagnostic agent. The International Commission on Radiological Protection states that breastfeeding should be interrupted for more than 3 weeks following diagnostic use of I 123 BMIPP because of possible contamination with other iodine isotopes.[1] Because this contamination does not occur with modern production methods, discontinuation of nursing is not necessary, especially if a thyroid blocking agent is given to the mother.[2,3]

Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level, she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[4]

Drug Levels

I 123 is a gamma emitter with a principal photon energy of 159 keV and a physical half-life of 13.1 hours.[2] Iodide is actively secreted into breastmilk and actively taken up by the mother's and infant's thyroid glands.

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.

References

1.
Mattsson S, Johansson L, Leide Svegborn S, et al. Radiation dose to patients from radiopharmaceuticals: A compendium of current information related to frequently used substances. ICRP Publication 128. Annex D. Recommendations on breast-feeding interruptions. Ann ICRP 2015;44 (2 Suppl):319-21. [PubMed: 26069086]
2.
Dilsizian V, Metter D, Palestro C, Zanzonico P. Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI) Sub-Committee on Nursing Mother Guidelines for the Medical Administration of Radioactive Material. Final report submitted: January 31, 2019. 2019. https://www​.nrc.gov/docs​/ML1903/ML19038A498.pdf
3.
Mattsson S, Leide-Svegborn S, Andersson M. X-ray and molecular imaging during pregnancy and breastfeeding-when should we be worried? Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2021;195:339-48. [PMC free article: PMC8507446] [PubMed: 33855370]
4.
Stabin MG, Breitz HB. Breast milk excretion of radiopharmaceuticals: Mechanisms, findings, and radiation dosimetry. J Nucl Med 2000;41:863-73. [PubMed: 10809203]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Iodofiltic Acid I 123

CAS Registry Number

123748-56-1

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Radiopharmaceuticals

Iodine Radioisotopes

Diagnostic Agents

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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