eye drops

[Sandi]

Hi,

I am in Australia so am unable to call your number during business hours.

I am taking ketotifen 250ug/ml bd prn for allergic/hayfever eyes and if this does not control it I take fluorometholone 1mg/ml qid for a few days then tapering off.

I am breastfeeding my 8.5mo old every 1-2hrs.

My eye Dr said there was little information about these drugs so to use caution. He did say that I can pinch the corners of my eyes to decrease systemic absorption which I have been doing.

Thank you for your time and this service!!

Sandi

[admin]

Sandi:

First, let me say that with few exceptions, most ophthalmic drugs produce little to no levels in the plasma of the human. So most ophthalmic drugs are considered fine for breastfeeding mothers.

Ketotifen is just a topical ophthalmic nonsteroidal analgesic anti-inflammatory drug. These in general are largely acceptable for breastfeeding mothers because as a family, they are largely excluded from the milk compartment. I would not be overly concerned about this drug at all.

As for Fluorometholone, it is an ophthalmic steroid. Again, levels are likely quite low, and if you compress the inner corners of your eye, little or none of this would be expected to be absorbed. Indeed, steroids in general fail to enter the milk compartment well. I would not be concerned about this product at all.

I'd suggest you continue to use these products as needed and go ahead and breastfeed your infant.


Tom Hale Ph.D

[Sandi]

Thank you very much!!