Methohexital Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Amounts of methohexital in milk are very small. Existing data indicate that no waiting period is required before resuming breastfeeding after a single dose of methohexital. Breastfeeding can be resumed as soon as the mother has recovered sufficiently to nurse. When a combination of anesthetic agents is used for a procedure, follow the recommendations for the most problematic medication used during the procedure.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Nine women who were at least 1 month postpartum received between 120 and 150 mg of methohexital intravenously for induction of general anesthesia for bilateral tubal ligation. Milk samples were obtained in the recovery room after surgery, the evening of surgery and on the day after surgery. The highest milk level was found at 63 minutes after the dose in one woman. Milk levels 1 to 2 hours after the dose ranged from 100 to 407 mcg/L (n = 5); levels 2 to 4 hours after the dose ranged from 39 to 199 mcg/L (n = 4); levels 8 to 10 hours after the dose ranged from undetectable (<20 mcg/L) to 65 mcg/L (n = 9). Methohexital was not detectable in the breastmilk of any woman 24 to 48 hours after the dose. The authors estimated that the typical breastfed infant would receive a maximum single dose of 0.04 mg of methohexital in a 100 mL feeding 1 hour after the dose or between 0.1 to 0.8% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage.[1]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Borgatta L, Jenny RW, Gruss L, et al. Clinical significance of methohexital, meperidine, and diazepam in breast milk. J Clin Pharmacol. 1997;37:186–92. [PubMed: 9089420]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Methohexital
CAS Registry Number
18652-93-2
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Anesthetics, Intravenous
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