Pentobarbital and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Because there is little published experience with pentobarbital during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. If pentobarbital is used, monitor the infant for sedation, poor feeding and poor weight gain.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Maternal Levels. A mother who was 4 days postpartum had taken pentobarbital 100 mg daily for 3 days. A milk level of 170 mcg/L was measured 19 hours after the previous dose.[1] 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

Zaleplon, Zolpidem

References

1. HorningMG StillwellWG NowlinJ Identification and quantification of drugs and drug metabolites in human breast milk using GC-MS-COM methods. Mod Probl Paediatr 1975 15 73 9