Summary of Use during Lactation

Although no published data exist on the use of formoterol by inhaler during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1-3] The authors of several reviews and an expert panel agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[4-7]

Drug Levels

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.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Salmeterol

References

1.

Lindberg C, Boréus LO, de Château P, et al. Transfer of terbutaline into breast milk. Eur J Respir Dis Suppl. 1984;134:87–91. [PubMed: 6586490]

2.

Boréus LO, de Château P, Lindberg C, et al. Terbutaline in breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1982;13:731–2. [Letter] [PMC free article: PMC1402089] [PubMed: 7082542]

3.

Lönnerholm G, Lindström B. Terbutaline excretion into breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1982;13:729–30. [Letter] [PMC free article: PMC1402083] [PubMed: 7082541]

4.

McDonald CF, Burdon JGW. Asthma in pregnancy and lactation. A position paper for the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust. 1996;165:485–8. [PubMed: 8937369]

5.

Nelson-Piercy C. Asthma in pregnancy. Thorax. 2001;56:325–8. [PMC free article: PMC1746013] [PubMed: 11254828]

6.

Taddio A, Ito S. Drugs and breast-feeding. In, Koren G, ed. Maternal-fetal toxicology. A clinician's guide. 3rd ed. New York. Marcel Dekker. 2001:177-32.

7.

National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Evidence-based management of sickle cell disease. Expert panel report. 2014.

Substance Name

Formoterol

CAS Registry Number

73573-87-2

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Anti-Asthmatic Agents

Bronchodilator Agents

Beta Adrenergic Agonists