Summary of Use during Lactation

Limited data indicate that trace amounts of iron dextran are excreted into breastmilk. No information is available on the clinical use of iron dextran during breastfeeding. However, intravenous iron dextran has been used in preterm infants for anemia of prematurity and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. An alternate intravenous drug with more published data available may be preferred. Pasteurization of milk by the Holder method reduces the concentration of iron in milk by about 6.5%.[1]

For additional information on iron use during breastfeeding, see the monograph on Iron Salts.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Iron dextran manufacturers report that trace amounts of unmetabolized iron dextran are excreted into human milk.

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

Ferric Carboxymaltose, Ferric Derisomaltose, Iron Sucrose

References

1.

Mohd-Taufek N, Cartwright D, Davies M, et al. The effect of pasteurization on trace elements in donor breast milk. J Perinatol. 2016;36:897–900. [PubMed: 27253894]

Substance Name

Iron Dextran

CAS Registry Number

9004-66-4

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Ferric Compounds

Hematinics

Iron Compounds