Attribution Statement: LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
CASRN: 151-67-7
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
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.[1,2] 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.[3] It is possible that requirements for other anesthetic agents would be affected similarly.
Drug Levels
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.[1] 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.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
References
- 1.
- Coté CJ, Kenepp NB, Reed SB, et al. Trace concentrations of halothane in human breast milk. Br J Anaesth. 1976;48:541–3. [PubMed: 986147]
- 2.
- Hale TW. Anesthetic medications in breastfeeding mothers. J Hum Lact. 1999;15:185–94. [PubMed: 10578796]
- 3.
- Bhaskara B, Dayananda VP, Kannan S, et al. Effect of breastfeeding on haemodynamics and consumption of propofol and sevoflurane: A state entropy guided comparative study. Indian J Anaesth. 2016;60:180–6. [PMC free article: PMC4800934] [PubMed: 27053781]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Halothane
CAS Registry Number
151-67-7
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Anesthetics, Inhalation
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
- User and Medical Advice Disclaimer
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) - Record Format
- LactMed - Database Creation and Peer Review Process
- Fact Sheet. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) - Glossary
- LactMed Selected References
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) - About Dietary Supplements
- Breastfeeding Links
- PMCPubMed Central citations
- PubChem SubstanceRelated PubChem Substances
- PubMedLinks to PubMed
- Review Enflurane.[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Enflurane.. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). 2006
- Review Isoflurane.[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Isoflurane.. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). 2006
- Review Propofol.[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Propofol.. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). 2006
- Review Sevoflurane.[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Sevoflurane.. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). 2006
- Review Desflurane.[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Desflurane.. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). 2006
- Halothane - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)Halothane - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
Your browsing activity is empty.
Activity recording is turned off.
See more...