Can you take cisatracurium while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
No information is available on the use of cisatracurium during breastfeeding. Because it is short acting, highly polar and poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the breastmilk in high concentration or to reach the bloodstream of the infant. When a combination of anesthetic agents is used for a procedure, follow the recommendations for the most problematic medication used during the procedure. Consider using a cisatracurium product that has no benzyl alcohol preservative.
Quoted from Cisatracurium — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised November 30, 2022.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of cisatracurium. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
- Atracurium
- Rocuronium
How much cisatracurium gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take cisatracurium while breastfeeding?
No information is available on the use of cisatracurium during breastfeeding. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of cisatracurium while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Atracurium, Rocuronium as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does cisatracurium pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for cisatracurium are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking cisatracurium?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on cisatracurium
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.