Mepivacaine use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Mepivacaine: Carbocaine, Carbocaine 2% with Neo-Cobefrin, Isocaine, Polocaine, Scandonest Plain, Polocaine-MPF, Carbocaine HCl, Isocaine with Levonordefrin, Scandonest L

Mepivacaine Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the use of mepivacaine during breastfeeding. Based on the low excretion of other local anesthetics into breastmilk, a single dose of mepivacaine during breastfeeding is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant. However, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Mepivacaine given during labor as a local anesthetic to the mother has been reported to interfere with initial nursing behavior of some infants, but not weight gain during the first 5 days postpartum. More study is required to clarify the effect of mepivacaine during labor on breastfeeding outcome.

Drug Levels

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

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible Effects on Lactation

In a study that compared extradural administration of mepivacaine, bupivacaine and lidocaine for analgesia during normal childbirth, no differences were found in weight changes over the first 5 days after delivery among the breastfed infants of the 3 groups. Overall weight gain was within normal limits for all groups.[1]

Of 6 infants whose mothers received a pudendal block with mepivacaine within the hour before delivery, 4 took longer to begin nursing behavior and nursed less initially than 10 infants whose mothers received no anesthesia during labor. The long-term consequences of these differences were not reported.[2]

References

1. Abouleish E, Donck AV, Meeuwis H, Taylor F. Effect of anaesthesia for delivery on the weight of infants during the first 5 days of life. Br J Anaesth. 1978;50:569-74. PMID: 666931

2. Ransjo-Arvidson AB, Matthiesen AS, Lilja G et al. Maternal analgesia during labor disturbs newborn behavior: effects on breastfeeding, temperature, and crying. Birth. 2001;28:5-12. PMID: 11264622

Mepivacaine Identification

Substance Name

Mepivacaine

CAS Registry Number

96-88-8

Drug Class

• Anesthetics, Local

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

710

Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.

Last Revision Date

2012-03-01

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...

• Mepivacaine 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.