When you're breastfeeding and need to take a medication, the question isn't just LactMed database—it's "Will this hurt my baby?" The LactMed database, a free, science-backed resource from the U.S. National Library of Medicine that tracks how drugs pass into breast milk and affect nursing infants. Also known as ToxNet Lactation, it's the go-to tool for doctors, pharmacists, and moms who need clear answers—no guesswork, no hype. This isn’t just a list of drugs. It’s a living database updated with new studies, real-world data, and expert reviews on everything from antidepressants to antibiotics, painkillers to thyroid meds.
What makes LactMed different? It doesn’t just say "safe" or "not safe." It tells you how much of the drug gets into milk, how long it stays there, and what side effects—like drowsiness, fussiness, or low milk supply—have actually been reported in babies. It links to studies, notes when evidence is weak, and even flags drugs that are risky for preterm infants. That’s why it’s used by hospitals, lactation consultants, and poison control centers. And it’s not just for moms. Providers rely on it to avoid giving a drug that might force a mom to stop breastfeeding altogether. Related entities like maternal drug use, the practice of taking medications while nursing, which requires balancing maternal health and infant safety and lactation pharmacology, the science of how drugs move through breast milk and affect infants are built into every entry. You won’t find fluff here—just facts tied to clinical outcomes.
You’ll see how LactMed connects to real issues covered in the posts below: from ACE inhibitors and pregnancy risks to antiretroviral therapy interactions and diuretics in breastfeeding moms. It’s the same kind of precision—no vague warnings, no scare tactics. Just data you can use. Whether you’re a new mom worried about her anxiety meds, a nurse checking a new prescription, or a pharmacist answering a last-minute question, LactMed cuts through the noise. It’s not a substitute for professional advice, but it’s the best starting point you’ve got. Below, you’ll find real-world examples of how medications interact with breastfeeding, what to watch for, and how to make informed choices without panic.
Most medications are safe while breastfeeding. Learn how drugs transfer into breast milk, which ones to avoid, and how to use them safely with reliable resources like LactMed and Hale's classification system.
