Methamphetamine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Desoxyn, Desoxyn Gradumet

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 23, 2024.

Methamphetamine Pregnancy Warnings

This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

US FDA pregnancy category: C

Comments:
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
-Infants born to mothers dependent on amphetamines have an increased risk of premature delivery and low birth weight; these infants may experience withdrawal symptoms as demonstrated by dysphoria, including agitation and significant lassitude.

Animal studies have revealed evidence of teratogenic and embryocidal effects when high multiples of the human dose were administered. Data on long-term potential for fertility impairment are not available. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

To monitor the outcomes of pregnant women exposed to this drug, a pregnancy registry has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients with the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychostimulants at 1-866-961-2388 or by visiting https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

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Methamphetamine Breastfeeding Warnings

An alternate drug may be preferred, particularly while breastfeeding newborn or preterm infants.
-According to some authorities: Breastfeeding is not recommended during use of this drug.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-There is no published experience with this drug as a therapeutic agent during breastfeeding.
-According to at least 1 expert, amphetamines should not be used therapeutically in breastfeeding mothers.
-This drug should not be used recreationally by breastfeeding mothers because it may impair their judgment and childcare abilities.

This drug and its metabolite (amphetamine) are detectable in breast milk and infant's serum after abuse of this drug by nursing mothers; however, these data are from random collections rather than controlled studies due to ethical considerations in administering recreational methamphetamine to nursing mothers. In addition, the possibility of positive urine tests in breastfed infants (which may have legal implications) and of other harmful contaminants in street drugs should be considered.

Breastfeeding is generally discouraged in mothers who are actively abusing amphetamines. In mothers who abuse this drug while nursing, withholding breastfeeding for 48 to 100 hours after maternal use has been recommended, although in many mothers this drug is undetectable in breast milk after 72 hours (average) from the last use. It has been suggested that breastfeeding can be reinstated 24 hours after a negative maternal urine screen for amphetamines.

A prospective multicenter study followed mothers who used methamphetamine prenatally (n = 204) to those who did not (n = 208). Infants exposed to this drug exhibited poor suck, excessive suck, and more jitteriness compared to nonexposed infants. Mothers who used this drug were less likely to breastfeed their infants (38%) at hospital discharge than those who did not use the drug (76%).

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Further information

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