Can you take nonoxynol-9 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.
Nonoxynol-9 is a relatively nontoxic nonionic surfactant and only trivial amounts of the drug have been found in the milk of animals after vaginal administration. Limited information indicates that breastfed infants of mothers using vaginal nonoxynol-9 experienced no adverse effects. Vaginal use of nonoxynol-9 is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Quoted from Nonoxynol-9 — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised June 15, 2024.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of nonoxynol-9. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
- Etonogestrel
- Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive
- Oral Levonorgestrel
- Intrauterine Levonorgestrel
- Levonorgestrel Implant
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
- Norethindrone
- Progesterone
How much nonoxynol-9 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
In a study comparing various methods of contraception, the breastfed infants of women who used a nonoxynol-9-containing foam had no observable adverse effects.
Effects on milk supply
Compared with a combination contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg and levonorgestrel 150 mcg, women who used either nonoxynol-9 foam or copper-T IUD had less inhibition of lactation than the combined oral contraceptive.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take nonoxynol-9 while breastfeeding?
What the NIH's Drugs and Lactation Database says about Nonoxynol-9 while breastfeeding — quoted in full. 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 nonoxynol-9 while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Etonogestrel, Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive, Oral Levonorgestrel, Intrauterine Levonorgestrel, Levonorgestrel Implant, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Norethindrone, Progesterone 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 nonoxynol-9 pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for nonoxynol-9 are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking nonoxynol-9?
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 nonoxynol-9
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.