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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
CASRN: 249296-44-4
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Varenicline is a partial nicotine agonist used orally to assist smoking cessation and by nasal spray for dry eyes. One researcher points out that based on animal data on nicotine, varenicline might interfere with normal infant lung development and recommends against its use in nursing mothers.[1] Because no information is available on the use of varenicline during breastfeeding, an alternate drug is preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.[2] However, maternal drug exposure after the nasal spray is only about 7.5% that of the oral drug, so the spray is much less likely to affect the infant. If a mother chooses to breastfeed while taking varenicline, she should monitor her infant for seizures and excessive vomiting.[3]
Drug Levels
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.
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
(Smoking Cessation) Bupropion
References
- 1.
- Maritz GS. Are nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline or bupropion options for pregnant mothers to quit smoking? Effects on the respiratory system of the offspring. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2009;3:193-210. [PubMed: 19706643]
- 2.
- McAllister-Williams RH, Baldwin DS, Cantwell R, et al. British Association for Psychopharmacology consensus guidance on the use of psychotropic medication preconception, in pregnancy and postpartum 2017. J Psychopharmacol 2017;31:519-52. [PubMed: 28440103]
- 3.
- Harris M, Schiff DM, Saia K, et al. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #21: Breastfeeding in the setting of substance use and substance use disorder (Revised 2023). Breastfeed Med 2023;18:715-733. [PMC free article: PMC10775244] [PubMed: 37856658]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Varenicline
CAS Registry Number
249296-44-4
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Milk, Human
Nicotinic Agonists
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.
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- Varenicline: an alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist for smoking cessation.[J Med Chem. 2005]Varenicline: an alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist for smoking cessation.Coe JW, Brooks PR, Vetelino MG, Wirtz MC, Arnold EP, Huang J, Sands SB, Davis TI, Lebel LA, Fox CB, et al. J Med Chem. 2005 May 19; 48(10):3474-7.
- Review Nicotine.[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Nicotine.. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). 2006
- Review Nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation.[Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011]Review Nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation.Cahill K, Stead LF, Lancaster T. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Feb 16; (2):CD006103. Epub 2011 Feb 16.
- Review Nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation.[Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010]Review Nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation.Cahill K, Stead LF, Lancaster T. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Dec 8; (12):CD006103. Epub 2010 Dec 8.
- Review Nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation.[Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012]Review Nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation.Cahill K, Stead LF, Lancaster T. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Apr 18; (4):CD006103. Epub 2012 Apr 18.
- Varenicline - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)Varenicline - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
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