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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.

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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet].

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Azelaic Acid

Last Revision: February 15, 2024.

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

CASRN: 123-99-9

image 134974895 in the ncbi pubchem database

Drug Levels and Effects

Summary of Use during Lactation

Topical azelaic acid has not been studied during breastfeeding. Because only 4% of a dose is absorbed after topical application and it is a chemical that appears in foods, bloodstream and breastmilk normally, azelaic acid is considered a low risk to the nursing infant.[1-3] If azelaic acid is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Do not apply azelaic acid to the breast or nipple and ensure that the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[4]

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

(Acne) Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Tretinoin; (Rosacea) Metronidazole

References

1.
Akhavan A, Bershad S. Topical acne drugs: Review of clinical properties, systemic exposure, and safety. Am J Clin Dermatol 2003;4:473-92. [PubMed: 12814337]
2.
Leachman SA, Reed BR. The use of dermatologic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Dermatol Clin 2006;24:167-97. [PubMed: 16677965]
3.
Yaghi M, McMullan P, Truong TM, et al. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: An Update - Part II: Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024. [PubMed: 38280680]
4.
Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M, et al. Exposure of babies to C(15)-C(45) mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2003;38:317-25. [PubMed: 14623482]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Azelaic Acid

CAS Registry Number

123-99-9

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Antineoplastic Agents

Dermatologic Agents

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.

Copyright Notice

Attribution Statement: LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Bookshelf ID: NBK501422PMID: 30000482

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