Is Ciguatera Poisoning safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Ciguatera Poisoning. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
A review of 12,890 cases in French Polynesia from 1964 to 1986 found 3 breastfed infants between 6 and 10 months of age who were affected following maternal poisoning.[ 1 ] Another case of a breastfed infant under 3 months of age was reported in 1989 from Hawaii, in which green stools were the primary symptom. Breastfeeding was discontinued with improvement. Symptoms reappeared when breastfeeding was resumed a few days later.[ 2 ] Because of the time between exposures, it is unclear if ciguatera toxin was the offending agent. A 4-month old who was breastfed 1 and 4 hours after maternal ingestion of a kingfish occurred in the Bahamas. Symptoms included colic, and diarrhea persisting for 48 hours beginning about 10 hours after the first nursing. This was followed by fine maculopapular rash and fussiness that lasted for 2 weeks.[ 3 ]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
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.
Source: NIH LactMed (National Library of Medicine).
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.