Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Diethyltoluamide? Is Diethyltoluamide safe for nursing mother and child? Does Diethyltoluamide extracts into breast milk? Does Diethyltoluamide has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Diethyltoluamide influence milk supply or can Diethyltoluamide decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Diethyltoluamide lactation summary

Diethyltoluamide is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Diethyltoluamide is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Diethyltoluamide is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Diethyltoluamide does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Diethyltoluamide safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Diethyltoluamide usage in lactation

Diethyltoluamide or DEET is an effective insect repellent against mosquitoes, black flies, ticks and fleas. Since the last update, we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk. Its pharmacokinetic data (low molecular weight, moderate cutaneous absorption and highly lipophilic) make its transfer to milk possible in amounts that could be significant. There is no evidence that the use of DEET in breastfeeding mothers affects the child (Koren 2003). Avoid the use of products with a concentration higher than 25%, do not use over extended areas of skin (Chen 2009) and do not apply to the chest. Avoid contact with the baby and ventilate well. It is a product which is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics for use in infants older than two months at concentrations not exceeding 30% (AAP 2017). WHO list of essential medicines: compatible with breastfeeding (WHO / UNICEF, 2002).

Answer by DrLact: About Diethyltoluamide usage in lactation

No information is available on the clinical use of diethyltoluamide (DEET) during breastfeeding. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency consider DEET to be safe and effective during breastfeeding when used as directed.[1] It should be used by breastfeeding women to avoid exposure to mosquito-borne viruses.[1][2][3] Avoid application directly to the nipple and other areas where the infant might directly ingest the product.
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.