To : Keitha Re : Salsalate Salsalate is a special di-salicylic acid formulation (rarely used), that when de-esterified in the gut and plasma, releases pure salicylic acid into the plasma compartment. Salicyclic acid is the de-acetylated form of aspirin as well. Salicylic acid transfers poorly into human milk, due to its polarity. I think it would be fine for this mom to breastfeed as long as the infant is normal, and has good urinary output. The mom might want to reduce her dose during the first month of life, until the infant has established good renal function. Watch for diarrhea, and other forms of salicylate poisoning, although this would be very unlikely. ------------------------------------------- To : Lyla Re : hydrocortisone topical, and Elimite(permethrin) I would not worry about the hydrocortisone, as the absorption through skin is minimal. We do not know how much permethrin(Elimite) is absorbed, but most is instantly metabolized. Thus I doubt it would pose a real problem to a breastfed infant. However, as it is only used for up to 14 hours, a brief pumping and dumping(12-14 hours) is not illogical, but probably not really necessary. Regards Tom Hale, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Pediatrics