Mebendazole and postpartum lactation
Kurzel, R.B.; Toot, P.J.; Lambert, L.V.; Mihelcic, A.S.
New Zealand Medical Journal 107(988): 439
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 7970347 Document Number: 435468
Following the report by Rao [New Zealand Medical Journal (1983) 96, 589-590], that mebendazole might inhibit lactation, new experience in the USA suggests that this is not so. Four patients with helminth infections were treated in the postpartum period with mebendazole (100 mg twice daily x 3 days) and all lactated normally and breastfed their babies. Plasma and breast milk levels of mebendazole were measured in one patient. Plasma levels of less than 20 ng/ml were detected but the drug was undetectable in breast milk. From these data it is suggested that to withhold breast feeding is questionable considering the low exposure level.