Dronabinol and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Dronabinol is the synthetic form of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major active component of cannabis. Low levels of THC are found in the breastmilk of mothers who use cannabis products.[1-5] If a mother requires dronabinol, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding, but because no published information is available with dronabinol use as an antiemetic during breastfeeding, an alternate antiemetic is preferred. For further information, see the LactMed record on Cannabis.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

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

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

Alternative drugs to consider

Meclizine, Metoclopramide, Prochlorperazine, Thiethylperazine

References

1. Bertrand KA, Hanan NJ, Honerkamp-Smith G, et al. Marijuana use by breastfeeding mothers and cannabinoid concentrations in breast milk. Pediatrics 2018;142:e2018107630150212 PubMed
2. Baker T, Datta P, Rewers-Felkins K, et al. Transfer of inhaled cannabis into human breast milk. Obstet Gynecol 2018;131:783-829630019 PubMed
3. Wymore EM, Palmer C, Wang GS, et al. Persistence of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in human breast milk. JAMA Pediatr 2021;175:632-433683306 PubMed
4. Moss MJ, Bushlin I, Kazmierczak S, et al. Cannabis use and measurement of cannabinoids in plasma and breast milk of breastfeeding mothers. Pediatr Res 2021;90:861-833469174 PubMed
5. Holdsworth EA, Berim A, Gang DR, et al. Human milk cannabinoid concentrations and associations with maternal factors: The Lactation and Cannabis (LAC) study. Breastfeed Med 2024;19:515-2438695182 PubMed