Nonoxynol-9 and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Nonoxynol-9 is a relatively nontoxic nonionic surfactant and only trivial amounts of the drug have been found in the milk of animals after vaginal administration.[1] Limited information indicates that breastfed infants of mothers using vaginal nonoxynol-9 experienced no adverse effects. Vaginal use of nonoxynol-9 is acceptable in nursing mothers.

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

In a study comparing various methods of contraception, the breastfed infants of women who used a nonoxynol-9-containing foam had no observable adverse effects.[2]

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

Compared with a combination contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg and levonorgestrel 150 mcg, women who used either nonoxynol-9 foam or copper-T IUD had less inhibition of lactation than the combined oral contraceptive.[2]

Alternative drugs to consider

Etonogestrel, Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive, Oral Levonorgestrel, Intrauterine Levonorgestrel, Levonorgestrel Implant, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Norethindrone, Progesterone

References

1. Johnson W, Jr. Final report on the safety assessment of octoxynol-1, octoxynol-3, octoxynol-5, octoxynol-6, octoxynol-7, octoxynol-8, octoxynol-9, octoxynol-10, octoxynol-11, octoxynol-12, octoxynol-13, octoxynol-16, octoxynol-20, octoxynol-25, octoxynol-30, octoxynol-33, octoxynol-40, octoxynol-70, octoxynol-9 carboxylic acid, octoxynol-20 carboxylic acid, potassium octoxynol-12 phosphate, sodium octoxynol-2 ethane sulfonate, sodium octoxynol-2 sulfate, sodium octoxynol-6 sulfate, and sodium octoxynol-9 sulfate. Int J Toxicol 2004;23 Suppl 1:59-111.15162838 PubMed
2. Peralta O, Díaz S, Juez G, et al. Fertility regulation in nursing women: V. Long-term influence of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive initiated at day 90 postpartum on lactation and infant growth. Contraception 1983;27:27-38.6404597 PubMed