Last update: June 25, 2020

Acetazolamide

Very Low Risk for breastfeeding


Safe. Compatible.
Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretic that has been used in the treatment of glaucoma, intracraneal hypertension and some types of epilepsy.
Oral administration one to four times a day.

It is excreted in breast milk in clinically insignificant amounts and no problems have been observed in infants whose mothers have taken it (Ibrahim 2019, Söderman 1984). Plasma levels in these infants were very low (Söderman 1984).

Expert authors consider the use of Acetazolamide to be safe during breastfeeding (Belkin 2020, Hale 2019, Briggs 2017, Chen 2010, Schaefer 2007).
American Academy of Pediatrics: Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding (AAP 2001).
List of WHO essential medicines: compatible with breastfeeding (WHO/UNICEF 2002).

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Acetazolamide since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Acetazolamide is also known as


Acetazolamide in other languages or writings:

Groups

Acetazolamide belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Acetazolamide in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 95 %
Molecular weight 222 daltons
Protein Binding 98 %
VD 0,2 l/Kg
pKa 7,2 -
Tmax 2 - 3 hours
T1/2 3 - 9 hours
M/P ratio 0,3 -
Theoretical Dose 0,3 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 1,8 %
Relat.Ped.Dose 1 - 3 %

References

  1. Belkin A, Chen T, DeOliveria AR, Johnson SM, Ramulu PY, Buys YM; American Glaucoma Society and the Canadian Glaucoma Society.. A Practical Guide to the Pregnant and Breastfeeding Patient with Glaucoma. Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2020 Mar - Apr;3(2):79-89. Abstract
  2. Ibrahim A, Hussain N. Brief report: Metabolic acidosis in newborn infants following maternal use of acetazolamide during pregnancy. J Neonatal Perinatal Med. 2019 Nov 16. Abstract
  3. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Towers CV, Forinash AB. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk. Wolters Kluwer Health. Tenth edition (acces on line) 2015
  4. Chen LH, Zeind C, Mackell S, LaPointe T, Mutsch M, Wilson ME. Breastfeeding travelers: precautions and recommendations. J Travel Med. 2010 Jan-Feb;17(1):32-47. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Schaefer C, Peters P, Miller RK. Drugs During Pregnancy and Lactation. Treatment options and risk assessment. Elsevier, second edition. London. 2007
  6. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001 Sep;108(3):776-89. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Söderman P, Hartvig P, Fagerlund C. Acetazolamide excretion into human breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1984 Abstract
  9. Hale TW. Hale's Medications & Mothers' Milk. [Internet]. Springer Publishing Company; 1991-. Available from: https://www.halesmeds.com None

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