Is Nonoxynol-9 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 Nonoxynol-9. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Nonoxynol-9 is a relatively nontoxic nonionic surfactant and only trivial amounts of the drug have been found in the milk of animals after vaginal administration.[1] Limited information indicates that breastfed infants of mothers using vaginal nonoxynol-9 experienced no adverse effects. Vaginal use of nonoxynol-9 is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Effects on the breastfed infant
In a study comparing various methods of contraception, the breastfed infants of women who used a nonoxynol-9-containing foam had no observable adverse effects.[2]
Effects on milk supply
Compared with a combination contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg and levonorgestrel 150 mcg, women who used either nonoxynol-9 foam or copper-T IUD had less inhibition of lactation than the combined oral contraceptive.[2]
Levels in milk
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.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Nonoxynol-9” (LM1116). 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.