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

Ondansetron

April 17, 2016 (Very Low Risk)

A receptor-antagonist 5HT3 serotonin-type antiemetic drug that is used for treatment of nausea and vomiting.
Usage is authorized for children older than 6 months. It has been used in one-month-old infants.

At latest update no published data were found on excretion into breast milk.

Since it is widely used during pregnancy and in young children without occurrence of side effects, its use is considered compatible while breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Ondansetron since it is relatively safe.

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

  • ονδανσετρόνη (Greek)
  • أوندانسيترون (Arabic)
  • Ондансетрон (Cyrillic)
  • 昂丹司琼 (Chinese)
  • オンダンセトロン (Japanese)
  • C18H19N3O (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Reece-Stremtan Sarah, Campos Matilde, Kokajko Lauren, and The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #15: Analgesia and Anesthesia for the Breastfeeding Mother, Revised 2017. Breastfeeding Medicine. 2017 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Colvin L, Gill AW, Slack-Smith L, Stanley FJ, Bower C. Off-label use of ondansetron in pregnancy in Western Australia. Biomed Res Int. 2013Abstract
  3. Pistilli B, Bellettini G, Giovannetti E, Codacci-Pisanelli G, Azim HA Jr, Benedetti G, Sarno MA, Peccatori FA. Chemotherapy, targeted agents, antiemetics and growth-factors in human milk: how should we counsel cancer patients about breastfeeding? Cancer Treat Rev. 2013Abstract
  4. Rowe H, Baker T, Hale TW. Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):275-94. 2013Abstract
  5. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute technical review on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Khalil SN, Roth AG, Cohen IT, Simhi E, Ansermino JM, Bolos ME, Coté CJ, Hannallah RS, Davis PJ, Brooks PB, Russo MW, Anschuetz GC, Blackburn LM. A double-blind comparison of intravenous ondansetron and placebo for preventing postoperative emesis in 1- to 24-month-old pediatric patients after surgery under general anesthesia. Anesth Analg. 2005Abstract
  7. Roila F, Del Favero A. Ondansetron clinical pharmacokinetics. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1995Abstract
  8. Lissoni P, Cazzaniga M, Rovelli F, Mainini E, Tancini G, Barni S. Ondansetron does not stimulate prolactin release in breast cancer patients. Tumori. 1994Abstract