Cocaine

[Melissa]

How long does it take for cocaine to be completely out of breast milk? I am not asking for myself. How many times should a person pump and dump and how many days until she can breast feed the baby again with out it entering his system? She does not use on a regular basis, this was a one time mistake that she says won't be happening again.

[admin]

Dear Melissa,

Cocaine is a local anesthetic and a powerful central nervous system stimulant. It is well absorbed from all locations including the stomach, nasal passages, intrapulmonary tissues via inhalation, and even via ophthalmic instillation. Adverse effects include agitation, nervousness, restlessness, euphoria, hallucinations, tremors, tonic-clonic seizures, and myocardial arrhythmias.

Cocaine is definitely contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid cocaine absolutely. In those individuals who have ingested cocaine, a minimum pump and discard period of 24 hours is recommended for clearance.

In addition, mothers who consume cocaine will continue to transfer the inactive metabolite of cocaine into their breastmilk for many days, and the infant will become drug-screen-positive, even if not exposed to the parent, cocaine. Hope this is helpful!

Sandra Lovato R.N.
InfantRisk Center