Although no published data exist on the use of formoterol by inhaler during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1-3] The authors of several reviews and expert guidelines agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[4-8]
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
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.
Lindberg C, Boréus LO, de Château P, et al. Transfer of terbutaline into breast milk. Eur J Respir Dis Suppl 1984;134:87-91 [PubMed: 6586490]
2.
Boréus LO, de Château P, Lindberg C, et al. Terbutaline in breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1982;13:731-2 [PMC free article: PMC1402089] [PubMed: 7082542]
3.
Lönnerholm G, Lindström B. Terbutaline excretion into breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1982;13:729-30 [PMC free article: PMC1402083] [PubMed: 7082541]
4.
McDonald CF, Burdon JGW. Asthma in pregnancy and lactation. A position paper for the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust 1996;165:485-8 [PubMed: 8937369]
5.
Nelson-Piercy C. Asthma in pregnancy. Thorax 2001;56:325-8 [PMC free article: PMC1746013] [PubMed: 11254828]
6.
Taddio A, Ito S. Drugs and breast-feeding. In, Koren G, ed. Maternal-fetal toxicology. A clinician's guide. 3rd ed. New York. Marcel Dekker. 2001:177-32
7.
National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Evidence-based management of sickle cell disease. Expert panel report. 2014. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sites/www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/sickle-cell-disease-report.pdf
8.
Bendien SA, de Kruif MD, Feitsma H, et al. Summary of the Dutch Multidisciplinary Practice Guideline on Asthma and Pregnancy. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2024;12:1751-62 [PubMed: 38513758]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Formoterol
CAS Registry Number
73573-87-2
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Milk, Human
Anti-Asthmatic Agents
Bronchodilator Agents
Beta Adrenergic Agonists
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
