Is Sulfur Hexafluoride 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 Sulfur Hexafluoride. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
No published experience exists with the use of sulfur hexafluoride during breastfeeding. The half-life of the agent is about 10 minutes and absorption of the drug by the infant is unlikely. If sulfur hexafluoride is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.[1] Because of the lack of information, the American College of Radiology states that temporary (~24 hours) pumping and discarding of milk may be considered.[2,3]
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
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.
“No published information” means the studies do not exist yet — not that Sulfur Hexafluoride is known to be harmful, and not that it is known to be safe. Your prescriber or pharmacist can weigh your baby's age and whether a better-studied alternative would do the same job. Worth asking before stopping a medicine you need.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Sulfur Hexafluoride” (LM1106). 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.