Use is not recommended

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: Not Assigned

Risk Summary: There is insufficient data in humans to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage; prolonged use of opioids during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth.

Comments:
-This drug is not recommended for obstetrical preoperative medication or for post-delivery analgesia in nursing mothers because its safety in infants and newborns has not been studied.

This drug has been shown to cross the placental barrier, with an umbilical vein to maternal vein serum concentration ratio of 0.83. Animal studies have shown at very high doses, this drug has an effect on organ development, bone growth, and mortality rate. Prolonged maternal use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy may result in respiratory depression and physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. There have been postmarketing reports of neonatal seizures, neonatal withdrawal syndrome, fetal death, and still births. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility; it is unknown whether these effects are reversible.

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

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Serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants may include excess sleepiness, difficulty breastfeeding, or serious breathing problems that could result in death. Newborns have limited capacity to metabolize the active 0-desmethyltramadol.

A study in 75 mothers reported an average milk concentration of 748 mcg/L; this translates to an average infant dose of 112 mcg/kg and a maternal weight-adjusted dose of 2.24% and 0.64% for the drug and its metabolite, respectively. Reanalysis of the data using a population pharmacokinetic model showed a maternal weight adjusted dose of 2.2% for extensive metabolizers and 2.6% for poor metabolizers. The amount of drug present in breast milk represents a maximum of 2.6% of the proposed IV newborn dose. This drug can increase prolactin levels; however, the prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Use is not recommended

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-The US FDA recommends against the use of tramadol during breastfeeding due to risks of serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants; this drug is not recommended for obstetrical preoperative medication or for post-delivery analgesia in nursing mothers because its safety in infants and newborns has not been studied.
-If infants are exposed through breastmilk, they should be monitored for excess sedation and respiratory depression.

See references