Is Montelukast Sodium compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Montelukast Sodium?

Montelukast Sodium

February 1, 2017 (Very Low Risk)

Pharmacokinetic data (moderately high molecular weight and high protein-binding capacity) explain an observed very low excretion into breastmilk (Datta 2016).

A drug of the same group and similar effect, Zafirlukast, is also excreted into breastmilk in non-significant amounts.

It is a licensed medication to be used in infants from 6 months of age on. Indeed, it has been used as early as 3 months of age with the same tolerance observed in older children.

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.

Writings

  • μοντελουκάστη νατριούχος (Greek)
  • Натрий Монтелукаст (Cyrillic)
  • モンテルカストナトリウム (Japanese)
  • C35H35ClNNaO3S (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Datta P, Rewers-Felkins K, Baker T, Hale TW. Transfer of Montelukast into Human Milk During Lactation. Breastfeed Med. 2016Abstract
  2. AEMPS. Montelukast. Ficha técnica. 2010 Full text (in our servers)
  3. Merck. Montelukast. Drig Summary. 2009 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Kearns GL, Lu S, Maganti L, Li XS, Migoya E, Ahmed T, Knorr B, Reiss TF. Pharmacokinetics and safety of montelukast oral granules in children 1 to 3 months of age with bronchiolitis. J Clin Pharmacol. 2008Abstract
  5. Knorr B, Maganti L, Ramakrishnan R, Tozzi CA, Migoya E, Kearns G. Pharmacokinetics and safety of montelukast in children aged 3 to 6 months. J Clin Pharmacol. 2006Abstract
  6. Migoya E, Kearns GL, Hartford A, Zhao J, van Adelsberg J, Tozzi CA, Knorr B, Deutsch P. Pharmacokinetics of montelukast in asthmatic patients 6 to 24 months old. J Clin Pharmacol. 2004Abstract
  7. 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)
  8. 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)