Breast Milk Hydrocodone and Hydromorphone Levels in Mothers Using Hydrocodone for Postpartum Pain

• DOI: 10.1097/aog.0b013e31820ca504
• Publication Date: 2011-02-23T08:18:19Z
• Authors: Jason B. Sauberan; Philip O. Anderson; James R. Lane; Sally Rafie; Nancy Nguyen; Steven S. Rossi; Lisa M. Stellwagen
• Keywords: Hydrocodone; Hydromorphone; Dose

In Brief OBJECTIVE: To estimate the extent of passage hydrocodone and its active metabolite, hydromorphone, into breast milk. METHODS: This is a pharmacokinetic study 30 postpartum women receiving bitartrate for pain in inpatient setting. Mothers donated timed milk samples analysis hydromorphone. RESULTS: Fully breastfed neonates received 1.6% (range 0.2%–9%) maternal weight-adjusted dosage. When combined with total median opiate dosage from 0.7% therapeutic older infants. Most mothers excreted little to no hydromorphone CONCLUSION: Standard dosages appear be acceptable use nursing newborns. Prolonged high not advisable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II can considered safe during breastfeeding.