Is Xenon safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Xenon. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Four mothers who underwent general anesthesia were given propofol and remifentanil as induction agents and rocuronium for intubation. After induction, propofol was stopped and xenon inhalation was used to maintain anesthesia for between 57 and 70 minutes. Infants resumed breastfeeding from 1.5 to 5 hours after the end of surgery. None of the infants had noticeable symptoms of dizziness or drowsiness. All infants fared well at home after their mothers were discharged.[ 2 ]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Two mothers who underwent general anesthesia were given propofol and remifentanil as induction agents and rocuronium for intubation. After induction, propofol was stopped and xenon inhalation was used to maintain anesthesia for 57 and 59 minutes, respectively. Xenon was undetectable in breastmilk at 0 and 300 minutes after extubation in both mothers.[ 2 ] 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.