Can you take halothane 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.
Halothane is no longer available in the United States. There is no published experience with the therapeutic use of halothane as an anesthetic during breastfeeding, but trace amounts were found in the milk of a practicing anesthesiologist who had administered halothane in the operating room. Various recommendations have been made regarding breastfeeding after halothane anesthesia, from discarding the first pumping after recovery to discarding breastmilk for 24 to 48 hours after the surgical procedure. Although withholding breastfeeding for 24 h is probably unnecessary, a short-acting anesthetic is preferred. In one study, breastfeeding before general anesthesia induction reduced requirements of sevoflurane and propofol compared to those of nursing mothers whose breastfeeding was withheld or nonnursing women. It is possible that requirements for other anesthetic agents would be affected similarly.
Quoted from Halothane — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised December 21, 2020.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of halothane. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much halothane gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Foremilk samples taken on two occasions from a practicing anesthesiologist after administering halothane anesthesia in the operating room contained from 630 mcg/L to 2.1 mg/L (0.63-2.1 ppm) of halothane. These values were higher than air samples from the operating room, but may be underestimates because of sampling techniques.
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 halothane while breastfeeding?
Halothane is no longer available in the United States. 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 halothane while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Desflurane, Enflurane, Isoflurane, Sevoflurane 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 halothane pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for halothane are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking halothane?
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 halothane
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.