Zidovudine Tablet Breastfeeding
It is a well known fact that breastfeeding is best source of nutrition for infants. Breast milk provides minerals, vitamins and antibodies in most acceptable format when they need it. Nutrition taken by mother passes to breast-milk and same thing applies to medicines taken by mothers. Not all drugs cause problem for baby but some do. Lets analyze if Zidovudine Tablet is safe for baby while breastfed.

What is Zidovudine Tablet used for?


Zidovudine tablets are a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor indicated for: Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. (1.1) Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission. (1.2) 1.1 Treatment of HIV-1 Zidovudine tablets, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, are indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. 1.2 Prevention of Maternal-Fetal HIV-1 Transmission Zidovudine tablets are indicated for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. The indication is based on a dosing regimen that included 3 components: antepartum therapy of HIV-1 infected mothers intrapartum therapy of HIV-1 infected mothers post-partum therapy of HIV-1 exposed neonate. Points to consider prior to initiating zidovudine tablets in pregnant women for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission include: In most cases, zidovudine tablets for prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission should be given in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Prevention of HIV-1 transmission in women who have received zidovudine tablets for a prolonged period before pregnancy has not been evaluated. Because the fetus is most susceptible to the potential teratogenic effects of drugs during the first 10 weeks of gestation and the risks of therapy with zidovudine tablets during that period are not fully known, women in the first trimester of pregnancy who do not require immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy for their own health may consider delaying use; this indication is based on use after 14 weeks gestation.

Is Zidovudine Tablet usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Zidovudine Tablet low risk for breastfeeding
Zidovudine Tablet contains only one active ingredient that is Zidovudine. We have analyzed the usage of Zidovudine in breastfeeding and our analysis suggest that Zidovudine poses Low risk for infant while breastfeeding and hence Zidovudine Tablet itself shall be considered Low risk item for breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
8.3 Nursing Mothers Zidovudine is excreted in human milk [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-1-infected mothers in the United States not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1 infection. Because of both the potential for HIV-1 transmission and the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, mothers should be instructed not to breastfeed if they are receiving zidovudine.

Zidovudine Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys


Zidovudine while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 30516-87-1

Anti-HIV drug. It is used to decrease the risk of vertical transmission in newborns. Mothers must be adviced that transmission of HIV infection through breastfeeding has been documented.

Zidovudine Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Zidovudine while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 30516-87-1

In the United States and other developed countries, HIV-infected mothers should generally not breastfeed their infants. Zidovudine has been well studied during breastfeeding. In countries in which no acceptable, feasible, sustainable and safe replacement feeding is available, World Health Organization guidelines recommend that all women with an HIV infection who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be maintained on antiretroviral therapy for at least the duration of risk for mother-to-child transmission. Mothers should exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first 6 months of life; breastfeeding with complementary feeding should continue through at least 12 months of life up to 24 months of life.[1] The first choice regimen for nursing mothers is tenofovir, efavirenz and either lamivudine or emtricitabine. If these drugs are unavailable, alternative regimens include: 1) zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz; 2) zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine; or 3) tenofovir, nevirapine and either lamivudine or emtricitabine. Exclusively breastfed infants should also receive 6 weeks of prophylaxis with nevirapine.[2][3] Breastfed infants whose mothers receive a highly active antiretroviral (HAART) regimen containing zidovudine have higher rates of neutropenia during the first month and severe anemia during the first 6 months of life.


What should I do if already breastfed my kid after using Zidovudine Tablet?

During whole lactation period you shall first discuss with your doctor and then together you shall decide whether you shall take that drug or not however if you have already taken Zidovudine Tablet then you shall inform your doctor, But you should not be worried too much as Zidovudine Tablet comes in category of low risk drug.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Zidovudine Tablet, is it safe?

Though Zidovudine Tablet dose not comes in category of safe drugs rather it comes in category of low risk but if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding your baby and has still recommended it then its advantages must be outweighing the risks.


If I am using Zidovudine Tablet, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Zidovudine Tablet in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Drug Brands with same Active ingredients

Zidovudine Syrup