Carbon- 11 and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Information in this record refers to the use of carbon 11 radiopharmaceuticals as diagnostic agents. International guidelines recommend state that breastfeeding need not be interrupted after administration of radiopharmaceuticals containing carbon-11.[1,2]

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Carbon 11 decays by positron emission and electron capture with a half-life of 20.4 minutes.[2]

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.

References

1. Mattsson S, Johansson L, Leide Svegborn S, et al. Radiation dose to patients from radiopharmaceuticals: A compendium of current information related to frequently used substances. ICRP Publication 128. Annex D. Recommendations on breast-feeding interruptions. Ann ICRP 2015;44:7-321.26069086 PubMed
2. Dilsizian V, Metter D, Palestro C, Zanzonico P. Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI) Sub-Committee on Nursing Mother Guidelines for the Medical Administration of Radioactive Material. Final report submitted: January 31, 2019. 2019. https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1903/ML19038A498.pdf