Question

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

Primaquina [INN-Spanish] lactation summary

Primaquina [INN-Spanish] usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Primaquina [INN-Spanish] is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Primaquina [INN-Spanish] may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Primaquina [INN-Spanish] may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Primaquina [INN-Spanish] low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Primaquina [INN-Spanish] We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to 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 Primaquina [INN-Spanish] usage in lactation

Avoid its use on patients suffering of G-6-P dehydrogenasa deficiency. Whenever possible, do not give it to mothers of premature infants or younger than 1 month, as well. Not commercially available in Spain

Answer by DrLact: About Primaquina [INN-Spanish] usage in lactation

Primaquina [INN-Spanish] is poorly excreted into breastmilk of nursing mothers and undetectable in the serum of their breastfed infants. Breastfed infants beyond the neonatal period have shown no evidence of hemolysis. Neonates and infants with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency have not been studied, however, G6PD-deficient infants over 28 days of age appear to have a low risk of hemolysis from exposure in breastmilk.[1] If Primaquina [INN-Spanish] is required, testing the mother and infant for G6PD deficiency is advisable before the drug is given to a nursing mother. United Kingdom malaria treatment guidelines recommend that Primaquina [INN-Spanish] be avoided in nursing mothers with malaria and that weekly chloroquine 500 mg be given until breastfeeding is completed.[2] However, these guidelines were developed before information on the excretion of Primaquina [INN-Spanish] into breastmilk and safety in breastfed infants was published. More recent information indicates that all mothers nursing infant over 28 days of age could safely receive Primaquina [INN-Spanish].[1] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines state that Primaquina [INN-Spanish] may be used in breastfeeding mothers and infants with normal G6PD levels.[3] Because the small amounts of Primaquina [INN-Spanish] transferred in breast milk are insufficient to provide adequate protection or treatment of malaria, infants who require chemoprophylaxis or therapy must receive the recommended dosages of Primaquina [INN-Spanish].

Primaquina [INN-Spanish] Side Effects in Breastfeeding

Twenty-one mothers with vivax malaria were give a dosage of Primaquina [INN-Spanish] 0.5 mg/kg daily for 14 days while breastfeeding their infants who were at least 28 days old. No alterations in hematocrit, Heinz body counts, serum bilirubin, oxygen saturation, or methemoglobinemia were seen in any of the infants.[4]

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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.