Question

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

Nicotine replacement therapy lactation summary

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

Patch: Nicotine serum levels in the mother (hence in the milk) may be similar to those of women who smoke if high concentration patches are used. Lowest effective concentration ones for treatment of tobacco dependency are recommended. Patches should be taken off while sleeping. Chewing gum: Nicotine serum levels in the mother (hence in the milk) may be one-half than those in women who smoke but may arrive to be as high as in smokers. The fewer number of chewing gums effective for treatment of tobacco dependency is recommended, with a lapse of 2-3 hours before the next breast feed after taking a nicotine chewing gum. Inhaler: Nicotine serum levels in the mother (hence in the milk) is usually one-eighth than those in women who smoke. The fewer number of inhalations that would be effective for treatment of tobacco dependency are recommended. Offspring of women who smoke are at lower risk of harm to health when they are breastfed than formula fed. Breastfeeding minimizes risks originated by tobacco smoke exposure. Those risks are even lower with the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patch, chewing gum or inhaler) See below the information of these related products:

Alternate Drugs for Drugs used in addictive disorders (nicotine, alcohol, opioids). ATC N07B

Naltrexone(Low Risk)
Varenicline(Unsafe)
Acamprosate Calcium(Low Risk)
Bupropion-Hcl(Low Risk)
Disulfiram(Dangerous)
Electronic cigarette(Low Risk)
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.