Drugs that affect the fetus and newborn infant via the placenta or breast milk

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2004 Jun;51(3):539-79, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2004.01.001.

Abstract

In general, drugs that are taken by a mother during pregnancy or after birth may be transferred to the fetus or the infant (through breast milk). Many factors are involved that determine the amount of drugs that are transferred and their potential effects on the fetus or infant. A careful assessment of the risk versus benefit is necessary and should be individualized. In the breastfed infant, many measures can be undertaken further so that the amount of drug transferred to the infant is minimized.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport, Active
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange*
  • Milk, Human / metabolism*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / metabolism*
  • Pharmacokinetics
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations