Iron Sucrose Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Limited data indicate that breastmilk iron is not increased after intravenous infusion of iron sucrose. Amounts of iron ingested by the infant would be normal and are not expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. The oral form of the drug, called sucroferric oxyhydroxide and used as a phosphate binder, is not orally absorbed and it is unlikely to reach the breastmilk or adversely affect the breastfed infant. No special precautions are required. For additional information on iron use during breastfeeding, see the monograph on Iron Salts.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Ten mothers who were iron deficient 2 to 3 days postpartum received a single dose 100 mg of intravenous iron sucrose. The iron concentration in their colostrum was compared to those in 5 similar women who received no iron. Colostrum collected daily for 4 days after the injection contained average iron concentrations between 0.3 and 0.45 mg/kg of milk which is in the low end of the range for postpartum women. No difference in milk iron concentration was found between the treated and control mothers.[1]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
In a study of 104 women with postpartum anemia, 78 women received 300 mg of intravenous iron sucrose over 3 days. All women were breastfeeding and had amenorrhea. No adverse reactions were reported in their infants.[2]
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Breymann C, von Seefried, B, Stahel M, et al. Milk iron content in breast-feeding mothers after administration of intravenous iron sucrose complex. J Perinat Med 2007;35:115-8. [PubMed: 17302514]
2.
Giannoulis C, Daniilidis A, Tantanasis T, et al. Intravenous administration of iron sucrose for treating anemia in postpartum women. Hippokratia 2009;13:38-40. [PMC free article: PMC2633251] [PubMed: 19240819]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Iron Sucrose
CAS Registry Number
8047-67-4
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Milk, Human
Ferric Compounds
Hematinics
Iron Compounds
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