Sulfur Hexafluoride and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

No published experience exists with the use of sulfur hexafluoride during breastfeeding. The half-life of the agent is about 10 minutes and absorption of the drug by the infant is unlikely. If sulfur hexafluoride is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.[1] Because of the lack of information, the American College of Radiology states that temporary (~24 hours) pumping and discarding of milk may be considered.[2,3]

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.

References

1. Cova MA, Stacul F, Quaranta R, et al. Radiological contrast media in the breastfeeding woman: A position paper of the Italian Society of Radiology (SIRM), the Italian Society of Paediatrics (SIP), the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN) and the Task Force on Breastfeeding, Ministry of Health, Italy. Eur Radiol 2014;24:2012-2224838733 PubMed
2. 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
3. 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