Summary of Use during Lactation

Data from one patient indicates that a low subcutaneous dose of indocyanine green is not detectable in breastmilk. No data are available on the user of larger intravenous doses. Until more data become available, indocyanine green should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. A nursing mother with lower limb lymphedema was given indocyanine green intradermally for lymphangiography. Although the dosage was not stated, the article referred to other papers that used 0.2 mL of a 0.25% solution of indocyanine green injected subcutaneously into both lower extremities, with detection by fluorescent imaging of lymphatic drainage channels using an infrared camera. The mother expressed milk approximately after imaging was complete at about 3 hours after the dose. Observation of the milk was performed with an infrared camera, which revealed no fluorescent enhancement of the milk.[1]

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.

References

1.

Sakai H, Tsukuura R, Kageyama T. Non-enhancement of the breast milk after subcutaneous indocyanine green injection: Is indocyanine green lymphography safe for breast-feeding patients? Microsurgery. 2021;41:198–9. [PubMed: 33398900]

Substance Name

Indocyanine Green

CAS Registry Number

3599-32-4

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Coloring Agents

Diagnostic Agents