Methenamine Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Both the hippurate and mandelate salts of methenamine pass into milk in small quantities and appear acceptable to use, even while nursing a newborn.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Six mothers nursing newborn infants were given methenamine hippurate 1 gram orally. Five hours after the dose, a mean methenamine concentration of 7 mg/L was found in milk. In two other women, milk concentrations averaged 9.1 mg/L at 2 to 3 hours after a 1 gram dose of methenamine hippurate orally and 4.3 mg/L at 6 to 7 hours after the dose. Based on the amount of milk ingested, the authors calculated the dose the infants received to be 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg, which is about 1% of the adult dose.[1]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Four newborn infants were allowed to breastfeed in one study after a maternal dose of 1 gram of methenamine hippurate. No adverse effects were reported.[1]
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Allgén LG, Holmberg G, Persson B, et al. Biological fate of methenamine in man. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1979;58:287–93. [PubMed: 484222]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Methenamine
CAS Registry Number
100-97-0
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary
Antibacterial Agents
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