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

Mebendazole

October 15, 2014 (Very Low Risk)

Because of a high plasma protein binding capacity, excretion into breast milk seems to be unlikely.

A report failed to find any trace of Mebendazole in the breast milk. No side effects in breastfed infants from treated mothers have been found. Based on a low oral bioavailability, concentration in the infant's plasma should be nil or low, except in premature and newborn infants with a increased intestinal absorption capacity.

Since it has a vermifuge action on Ascaris worms (migration of alive worms) should be carefully used in the tropics,

Reportedly, one case of inhibition of mother's milk production was found that was not confirmed in later reports.

WHO's Eleventh Model List of Essential Drugs 2002: Compatible with breastfeeding.

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

  • メベンダゾール
  • ميباندازول
  • Мебендазол
  • 甲苯咪唑

Drug trade names

References

  1. Valeant Pharmaceuticals New Zealand Ltd. Mebendazole. Drug Summary 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  2. MSyC-AgEspMed. Mebendazol. Ficha técnica 2011 Full text (in our servers)
  3. Pérez JL, Carranza C, Mateos F. Antiparasitarios. Revisión de los fármacos útiles en el tratamiento de parasitosis clásicas y emergentes. \ [Antiparasitic drugs. Review of the useful drugs in the treatment of classic and emergent parasitic diseases]. Rev Esp Quimioter. 2009Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Pérez JL, Carranza C, Mateos F. [Antiparasitic drugs. Review of the useful drugs in the treatment of classic and emergent parasitic diseases]. Rev Esp Quimioter. 2009Abstract
  5. Porto I. Antiparasitic drugs and lactation: focus on anthelmintics, scabicides, and pediculicides. J Hum Lact. 2003Abstract
  6. 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)
  7. Kurzel RB, Toot PJ, Lambert LV, Mihelcic AS. Mebendazole and postpartum lactation. N Z Med J. 1994Abstract
  8. Stoukides C. Can a mother safely breastfeed while on mebendazole (Vermox)? J Hum Lact. 1994Abstract
  9. Rao TS. Does mebendazole inhibit lactation? N Z Med J. 1983Abstract