Nitric Oxide use while Breastfeeding
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 23, 2024.
Drugs containing Nitric Oxide: Ulspira, Genosyl, Noxivent, INOmax
Nitric Oxide Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
No information is available on breastfeeding during the therapeutic use of nitric oxide by inhalation. Nitric oxide has a half-life of only a few seconds, so exogenously administered nitric oxide cannot reach the breastmilk. Nitric oxide is metabolized to methemoglobin and nitrate, which are present in the maternal systemic circulation. Although maternal nitrate serum levels may be elevated during nitric oxide administration,[1-3] this does not result in elevated breastmilk nitrate levels.[4,5] Both nitric oxide and nitrate are normal components of human milk,[6-8] and nitric oxide is administered directly to newborns by inhalation to treat respiratory failure. Given the above, it appears to be acceptable to breastfeed during maternal nitric oxide inhalation therapy.
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.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Nitric oxide produced locally in the breast may have a role in the letdown reflex at the initiation of lactation. It results in high concentrations of nitrates and nitrites in breastmilk just prior to an increase in milk production.[9] Nitric oxide may also be involved with nipple erection.[10]
Alternate Drugs to Consider
(Pulmonary Artery Hypertension) Bosentan, Epoprostenol, Sildenafil, Treprostinil
References
- 1.
-
Valvini EM, Young JD. Serum nitrogen oxides during nitric oxide inhalation. Br J Anaesth 1995;74:338-9. [PubMed: 7718385]
- 2.
-
Preiser JC, De Backer D, Debelle F, et al. The metabolic fate of long-term inhaled nitric oxide. J Crit Care 1998;13:97-103. [PubMed: 9758023]
- 3.
-
Kostler WJ, Rabitsch W, Locker GJ, et al. Influence of inhaled nitric oxide on plasma nitrate concentrations in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis: Results of a pilot study. J Clin Anesth 2006;18:179-84. [PubMed: 16731319]
- 4.
-
Green LC, Tannenbaum SR, Fox JG. Nitrate in human and canine milk. N Engl J Med 1982;306:1367. [PubMed: 7070470]
- 5.
-
Greer FR, Shannon M, American Academy, of, Pediatrics, Committee, on, Nutrition, et al. Infant methemoglobinemia: The role of dietary nitrate in food and water. Pediatrics 2005;116:784-6. [PubMed: 16140723]
- 6.
-
Berens P, Bryan NS. Nitrite and nitrate in human breast milk: Implications for development. In, Bryan NS, Loscalzo J, eds. Nitrite and nitrate in human health and disease. New York. Humana Press. 2017:139-53. https://link
.springer .com/chapter/10.1007 %2F978-3-319-46189-2_11. - 7.
-
Hord NG, Ghannam JS, Garg HK, et al. Nitrate and nitrite content of human, formula, bovine, and soy milks: Implications for dietary nitrite and nitrate recommendations. Breastfeed Med 2011;6:393-9. [PMC free article: PMC3228598] [PubMed: 20958096]
- 8.
-
Akcay F, Aksoy H, Memisogullari R. Effect of breast-feeding on concentration of nitric oxide in breast milk. Ann Clin Biochem 2002;39:68-9. [PubMed: 11853194]
- 9.
-
Iizuka T, Sasaki M, Oishi K, et al. Nitric oxide may trigger lactation in humans. J Pediatr 1998;131:839-43. [PubMed: 9427887]
- 10.
-
Tezer M, Ozluk Y, Sanli O, et al. Nitric oxide may mediate nipple erection. J Androl 2012;33:805-10. [PubMed: 22207705]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Nitric Oxide
CAS Registry Number
10102-43-9
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Milk, Human
Anti-Asthmatic Agents
Antihypertensive Agents
Antioxidants
Autonomic Agents
Bronchodilator Agents
Cardiovascular Agents
Endothelium-Dependent Relaxing Factors
Free Radical Scavengers
Neurotransmitter Agents
Peripheral Nervous System Agents
Respiratory System Agents
Vasodilator 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.
- Drug Levels and Effects
- Substance Identification
More about nitric oxide
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous respiratory agents
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Ulspira, Genosyl, INOmax, Noxivent
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.