Re : Ergot exposure of a breastfed infant Although we do not ordinarily like to use ergot alkaloids in breastfeeding mothers, please remember that methylergonovine levels are almost undetectible in breastmilk, and the oral bioavailability is poor (< 60%). Re : Cyclamate and saccharin use in breastfeeding mothers As for cyclamate and saccharin in breastfeeding mothers, we have no data to construe that these would be detrimental to a breastfed infant. I would suggest using aspartame(Nutrasweet) instead however, as it consists of two normal amino acids(phenylalanine and aspartic acid). Of course, aspartame would be contraindicated in a phenylketonuric infant or adult. Re : Elmiron (Pentosan Polysulfate sodium) PPS is a synthetic sulfated polysacchareide with heparin-like qualities. It is used for a number of syndromes including interstitial cystitis. No data is available on its transfer into human milk. However, it is a long polymer, somewhat like dextran, with a molecular weight of 4000 to 6000 daltons. Although it is administered orally, its oral bioavailability is minimal, only 3(three) to 40%. It is less absorbed with food(milk ?). It has a plasma half-life of approximately 1 hour following IV use. I do not know this for sure, but I would expect milk levels to be very low. The plasma levels following 100 mg IV is about 3-3.5 microgram/ml at 2 hours. Assumming a theoretical, worst case senario, with a Milk:Plasma ratio of 1.0, the infant would likely ingest approximately 3.5 mg orally per day, of which probably less than 3%-40% would be absorbed. (Please remember, this is only theoretical as we have no breastmilk data). Adult side effects include: thrombocytopenia, prolonged prothrombin times, anemia, peripheral edema, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, liver toxicity. Regards Tom Hale, Ph.D.