Metformin Levels in Breast Milk Clinically Insignificant

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) May 31 - Metformin is excreted into  breast milk, 
but the levels are insufficient to adversely affect  blood glucose levels of 
nursing infants, according to the findings  of a small study reported in the 
June issue of Obstetrics &  Gynecology. 
To investigate, Gerald G. Briggs from Miller Children's Hospital,  Long 
Beach, California and colleagues measured the levels of  metformin in the serum and 
breast milk of five women and measured  the blood glucose levels in three of 
their infants. 
All three infants tested had blood glucose concentrations within  normal 
limits (higher than 40 mg/dL), the researchers note, and none  of the nursing 
infants experienced adverse effects. 
"The estimated daily doses ingested by the infants seem to be  clinically 
insignificant," the authors conclude. "Although  additional data are required, we 
conclude that metformin is  compatible with breastfeeding." 
Obstet Gynecol 2005;105.
 
Nikki Lee RN, MS, Mother of 2, IBCLC, CCE
Maternal-Child Adjunct  Faculty Union Institute and University
Film Reviews Editor, Journal of Human  Lactation
Support the WHO Code and the Mother-Friendly Childbirth  Initiative

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