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Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research

Antiepileptic drugs and breastfeeding

Authors: Riccardo Davanzo, Sara Dal Bo, Jenny Bua, Marco Copertino, Elisa Zanelli, Lorenza Matarazzo

Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Introduction

This review provides a synopsis for clinicians on the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the breastfeeding mother.

Methods

For each AED, we collected all retrievable data from Hale’s “Medications and Mother Milk” (2012), from the LactMed database (2013) of the National Library of Medicine, and from a MedLine Search of relevant studies in the past 10 years.

Results

Older AEDs, such as carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone are considered to have a good level of safety during lactation, due to the long term clinical experience and the consequent amount of available data from the scientific literature. On the contrary, fewer data are available on the use of new AEDs. Therefore, gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, vigabatrin, tiagabine, pregabalin, leviracetam and topiramate are compatible with breastfeeding with a less documented safety profile. Ethosuximide, zonisamide and the continue use of clonazepam and diazepam are contraindicated during breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Although the current available advice on the use of AEDs during breastfeeding, given by different accredited sources, present some contradictions, most AEDs can be considered safe according to our review.
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Metadata
Title
Antiepileptic drugs and breastfeeding
Authors
Riccardo Davanzo
Sara Dal Bo
Jenny Bua
Marco Copertino
Elisa Zanelli
Lorenza Matarazzo
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Italian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1824-7288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1824-7288-39-50

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