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-.
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
X-rays used to obtain dental images, x-rays of broken bones, chest x-rays, etc. are a form of electromagnetic radiation similar to light, but with a shorter wavelength. X-rays are present only during the time that the image is being taken and leave no radiation or radioactivity in the body or in milk. Diagnostic X-rays have no known effect on the milk in the breast at the time of imaging, nor on milk production. No special precautions are required.[1]
For information on contrast media used with x-rays, see the LactMed entry for the specific contrast agent. For information on high-dose therapeutic radiation, see the LactMed record on Radiotherapy.
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.
References
- 1.
- Groen RS, Bae JY, Lim KJ. Fear of the unknown: ionizing radiation exposure during pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;206:456-62. [PubMed: 22244469]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
X-Rays
Drug Class
- Breast Feeding
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Radiation
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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- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) - Record Format
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- 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
- PubMedLinks to PubMed
- Review Tomography, X-Ray Computed.[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Tomography, X-Ray Computed.. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). 2006
- Review Magnetic Resonance Imaging.[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Magnetic Resonance Imaging.. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). 2006
- Review Radiotherapy.[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Radiotherapy.. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). 2006
- X-rays and radiopaque drugs.[Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2005]X-rays and radiopaque drugs.Barrs TJ. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2005 Oct 1; 62(19):2026-30.
- Innovative monochromatic x-ray source for high-quality and low-dose medical imaging.[Med Phys. 2021]Innovative monochromatic x-ray source for high-quality and low-dose medical imaging.Silver EH, Shulman SD, Rehani MM. Med Phys. 2021 Mar; 48(3):1064-1078. Epub 2021 Feb 12.
- X-Rays - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)X-Rays - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
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