Is Iodofiltic Acid I 123 safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Iodofiltic Acid I 123. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Information in this record refers to the use of iodofiltic acid I 123 (beta-methyl-15-(4-iodophenyl) pentadecanoic acid; I 123 BMIPP) as a diagnostic agent. The International Commission on Radiological Protection states that breastfeeding should be interrupted for more than 3 weeks following diagnostic use of I 123 BMIPP because of possible contamination with other iodine isotopes.[1] Because this contamination does not occur with modern production methods, discontinuation of nursing is not necessary, especially if a thyroid blocking agent is given to the mother.[2,3]
Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level, she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[4]
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
I 123 is a gamma emitter with a principal photon energy of 159 keV and a physical half-life of 13.1 hours.[2] Iodide is actively secreted into breastmilk and actively taken up by the mother's and infant's thyroid glands.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Iodofiltic Acid I 123” (LM808). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.