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Dextromethorphan / quinidine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Nuedexta

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 11, 2023.

Dextromethorphan / quinidine Pregnancy Warnings

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the possible risk to the fetus.

US FDA pregnancy category: C

Animal studies have revealed evidence of developmental toxicity, including teratogenicity and embryolethality. Adverse effects included embryofetal deaths, fetal malformations, reduced skeletal ossification, decreased pup survival, decreased pup weight, and developmental delay. The effects on labor and delivery are unknown. No effect on fertility has been observed. There are no controlled studies in human pregnancy.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

See references

Dextromethorphan / quinidine Breastfeeding Warnings

Caution is recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown (dextromethorphan); Yes (quinidine)
Excreted into animal milk: Data not available

Comments: The effects in the nursing infant are unknown.

Information from one case report indicate maternal doses of quinidine up to 1.8 grams daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.

See references

See also

References for pregnancy information

  1. (2010) "Product Information. Nuedexta (dextromethorphan-quinidine)." Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc

References for breastfeeding information

  1. (2010) "Product Information. Nuedexta (dextromethorphan-quinidine)." Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc
  2. United States National Library of Medicine (2013) Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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