Is Albuterol compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Albuterol?

Albuterol

July 1, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

Bronchodilator medication similar to Terbutaline that is excreted into breast milk in non-significant amount.

Inhaled preparations are preferred since they are absorbed less than 10 %.

Consensus among experts on the compatibility of inhaled bronchodilators exists because its minimal absorption and low serum levels in the mother.

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Salbutamol Sulphate

Writings

  • سالبوتامول (Arabic)
  • Сальбутамол (Cyrillic)
  • 沙丁胺醇 (Chinese)
  • アルブテロール (Japanese)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group. Quick Reference from the Working Group Report on Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004;1-12. 2004 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004;1-57. 2004 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Cazzola M, Testi R, Matera MG. Clinical pharmacokinetics of salmeterol. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2002Abstract
  5. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Nelson-Piercy C. Asthma in pregnancy. Thorax. 2001Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. McDonald CF, Burdon JG. Asthma in pregnancy and lactation. A position paper for the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust. 1996Abstract
  8. Ellsworth A. Pharmacotherapy of asthma while breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1994Abstract
  9. Lindberg C, Boréus LO, de Château P, Lindström B, Lönnerholm G, Nyberg L. Transfer of terbutaline into breast milk. Eur J Respir Dis Suppl. 1984Abstract
  10. Lönnerholm G, Lindström B. Terbutaline excretion into breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1982Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. Boréus LO, de Château PU. Terbutaline in breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1982Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)