Antacids and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Although no published information on the aluminum, calcium or magnesium content of milk during maternal antacid therapy could be found, additional intake of these minerals by a nursing mother is unlikely to surpass that found in other infant foods. In addition, oral absorption of aluminum and magnesium is poor. Because of these factors, reviewers generally consider antacid use during breastfeeding to be acceptable.[1-3] No special precautions are required.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Maternal Levels. The aluminum content of human milk is normally lower than cow's milk and much lower than infant formula.[4,5] Magnesium is a normal component of human milk.[6] When magnesium is administered intravenously in large doses, milk magnesium levels are increased only slightly.[7] Calcium is a normal component of human milk.[6] Alginic acid and simethicone, which are components of some antacids are not absorbed orally.[1,8] 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.

Alternative drugs to consider

Cimetidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Sucralfate

References

1. LewisJH WeingoldAB Committee of FDA-Related Matters American College of Gastroenterology The use of gastrointestinal drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Gastroenterol 1985 80 912 23 2864852 PubMed
2. BroussardCN RichterJE Treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy and lactation: What are the safest therapy options? Drug Saf 1998 19 325 37 9804446 PubMed
3. RichterJE Review article: The management of heartburn in pregnancy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005 22 749 57 16225482 PubMed
4. Fernández-LorenzoJR CochoJA Rey-GoldarML Aluminum contents of human milk, cow's milk, and infant formulas. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1999 28 270 5 10067727 PubMed
5. MandićML GrgićJ GrgićZ Aluminum levels in human milk. Sci Total Environ 1995 170 165 70 7481740 PubMed
6. NevilleMC Calcium secretion into milk. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2005 10 119 28 16025219 PubMed
7. CruikshankDP VarnerMW PitkinRM Breast milk magnesium and calcium concentrations following magnesium sulfate treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1982 143 685 8 7091241 PubMed
8. HagemannTM Gastrointestinal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact 1998 14 259 62 10205441 PubMed