Can you take iron dextran 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.
Limited data indicate that trace amounts of iron dextran are excreted into breastmilk. No information is available on the clinical use of iron dextran during breastfeeding. However, intravenous iron dextran has been used in preterm infants for anemia of prematurity and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. An alternate intravenous drug with more published data available may be preferred.
For additional information on iron use during breastfeeding, see the monograph on Iron Salts.
Quoted from Iron Dextran — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised September 15, 2023.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of iron dextran. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much iron dextran gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Iron dextran manufacturers report that trace amounts of unmetabolized iron dextran are excreted into human milk.
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 iron dextran while breastfeeding?
Limited data indicate that trace amounts of iron dextran are excreted into breastmilk. 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 iron dextran while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Ferric Carboxymaltose, Ferric Derisomaltose, Iron Sucrose 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 iron dextran pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for iron dextran are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking iron dextran?
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 iron dextran
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.