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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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Varenicline

Last Revision: June 15, 2024.

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

CASRN: 249296-44-4

image 135126373 in the ncbi pubchem database

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.

Copyright Notice

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

Bookshelf ID: NBK501688PMID: 30000748

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