Cimetidine

[Momof3boys]

I was prescribed cimetidine 300mg to take prior to my CT starting at 18 hrs before the procedure and then 2 more 300mg pills at the scheduled times. I'm also to take 1 25mg prednisone pill alongside the cimetidine. Can I breastfeed while taking these medications and when can I resume breastfeeding after my CT scan?

[Sandra]

Momof3boys,

Cimetidine transfers to milk in relatively high levels and seems to concentrate in milk, although no adverse effects are reported. The amount transferred into breast milk ranges from 9.8-32.6% of your dose. Cimetidine is probably suitable for use during lactation since it can be used in pediatric patients at higher doses. Short-term use (days) would not be incompatible with breastfeeding, but with long term use a different Histamine-2 antagonists such as ranitidine and famotidine would be preferred since they are minimally transferred into human milk. Try and avoid the first 2 hours to breastfeed after each dose.

Prednisone at 25mg administered only once should pose no problem in the breastfed infant.

I hope this helps, if you have any other questions please call the InfantRisk Center at 806-352-2519. Thanks,

Sandra Lovato R.N.
InfantRisk Center