Gadoterate and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Gadoterate is one of the most stable gadolinium agents, theoretically making it one of the safer drugs to use during breastfeeding. Guidelines developed by several professional organizations state that breastfeeding need not be disrupted after a nursing mother receives a gadolinium-containing contrast medium.[1-4] However, because there is no published experience with gadoterate during breastfeeding, other agents 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

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

Gadobutrol, Gadoteridol, Gadoterate

References

1. Copel J, El-Sayed Y, Heine RP, et al. Committee Opinion No. 723: Guidelines for diagnostic imaging during pregnancy and lactation. Obstet Gynecol 2017;130:e210-e628937575 PubMed
2. European Society of Urogenital Radiology. ESUR guidelines on contrast media. 2018;Version 10.0.http://www.esur-cm.org/index.php/en/
3. American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media. Administration of contrast media to breast-feeding mothers. In, ACR manual on contrast media. 2023;Version 2023:120-1. https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Contrast-Manual
4. Bookwalter CA, McDonald RJ, Packard AT, et al. Contrast media in pregnant and lactating patients, from the AJR special series on contrast media. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2024;224:e243141539046138 PubMed