Phenprocoumon use while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Phenprocoumon is not approved for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Limited information indicates that anticoagulant maternal doses of phenprocoumon produce low levels in milk. Until more data are available, shorter-acting anticoagulants are preferred, especially if the infant is younger than 2 months.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. One mother required anticoagulation postpartum was given phenprocoumon as an anticoagulant. Milk samples were obtained on days 27, 28 and 31 postpartum when her prothrombin time and phenprocoumon serum concentrations were stable. Milk phenprocoumon concentrations varied between 26 and 76 mcg/L and concentrations were higher in hindmilk than foremilk. A complete 24-hour milk collection contained a concentration of 33 mcg/L of phenprocoumon.[1]

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

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

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Acenocoumarol, Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Heparin, Rivaroxaban, Warfarin

References

1.

von Kries R, Nocker D, Schmitz-Kummer E, et al. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd. 1993;141:505–7. [Transfer of phenprocoumon in breast milk. Is oral anticoagulation with phenprocoumon a contraindication for breastfeeding?] [PubMed: 8336747]

Substance Name

Phenprocoumon

CAS Registry Number

435-97-2

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Anticoagulants