Question

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

Salicylic Acid lactation summary

Salicylic Acid is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Salicylic Acid is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Salicylic Acid is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Salicylic Acid does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Salicylic Acid 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 Salicylic Acid usage in lactation

It is topically used as a keratolytic, antiseptic, antifungal, dermatological and stomatological agent. At last update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found . Systemic absorption (distribution into the body) depends on the concentration of the product used and the duration of application. Absorption may reach 10 to 25% of the total amount applied on the skin. It is recommended not to use during lactation in large areas of skin or for prolonged periods. Available data on the elimination of Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin-ASA) in breast milk indicates it is clinically insignificant.No cases have been reported on Reye's syndrome by ASA through the breast milk which is considered very unlikely to occur with isolated and/or small doses used as antithrombotic treatments and anti-abortion measures, even less after application on the skin or topically in the mouth. Do not apply on the breast to prevent ingestion by the infant. If necessary, apply it after the feed and wipe it off thoroughly with water before the next feed.

Answer by DrLact: About Salicylic Acid usage in lactation

No information is available on the clinical use of salicylic acid on the skin during breastfeeding. Because it is unlikely to be appreciably absorbed or appear in breastmilk, it is considered safe to use during breastfeeding.[1] Avoid application to areas of the body that might come in direct contact with the infant's skin or where the drug might be ingested by the infant via licking.

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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.