Ethionamide and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Minimal information exists on the use of ethionamide during breastfeeding. Although some developmental problems have been reported in two infants exposed to ethionamide in breastmilk, their mothers were also exposed to several drugs during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, so the problems cannot necessarily be attributed to ethionamide. If ethionamide is required by the mother of an older infant, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding, but until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

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

Ethionamide was used as part of multidrug regimens to treat two pregnant women with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, one throughout pregnancy and postpartum and the other postpartum only. The infants were breastfed (extent and duration not stated). At age 4.6 and 5.1 years, the children were developing normally except for a mild speech delay in one and hyperactivity in the other.[1]

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

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

References

1. DrobacPC del CastilloH SweetlandA Treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis during pregnancy: long-term follow-up of 6 children with intrauterine exposure to second-line agents. Clin Infect Dis 2005 40 1689 92 15889370 PubMed