RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Pharmacologic treatment of hyperthyroidism during lactation
JF Canadian Family Physician
JO Can Fam Physician
FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada
SP 797
OP 798
VO 55
IS 8
A1 Glatstein, Miguel Marcelo
A1 Garcia-Bournissen, Facundo
A1 Giglio, Norberto
A1 Finkelstein, Yaron
A1 Koren, Gideon
YR 2009
UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/55/8/797.abstract
AB QUESTION I have a patient who has hyperthyroidism due to Graves disease. She was taking methimazole but discontinued when she found out she was pregnant. She is currently close to delivery and might require antithyroid therapy in the postpartum period. Can methimazole cross into human milk, and is breastfeeding safe for her infant? ANSWER The exposure of infants to methimazole or propylthiouracil through breast milk is minimal and not clinically significant. Women with hyperthyroidism using methimazole or propylthiouracil should not be discouraged from breastfeeding, as the benefits of breastfeeding largely outweigh the theoretical minimal risks.