The Basics
What is Sulfur Hexafluoride?
Contrast agent that is used to improve the quality of an ultrasound.
Brand names for Sulfur Hexafluoride
Lumason
How Sulfur Hexafluoride is classified
Contrast Media, Diagnostic Agents, Fluorides, Gases
Sulfur Hexafluoride During Pregnancy
Sulfur Hexafluoride pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Sulfur Hexafluoride while pregnant
N/A
Taking Sulfur Hexafluoride While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Sulfur Hexafluoride?
No published experience exists with sulfur hexafluoride during breastfeeding. Because 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]
Maternal / infant drug levels
No published experience exists with sulfur hexafluoride during breastfeeding. Because 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]
Possible effects of Sulfur Hexafluoride on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Sulfur Hexafluoride
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Cova MA, Stacul F, Quaranta R et al. Radiological contrast media in the breastfeeding woman: a position paper of the Italian Society of Radiology (SIRM), the Italian Society of Paediatrics (SIP), the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN) and the Task Force on Breastfeeding, Ministry of Health, Italy. Eur Radiol. 2014;24:2012-22. PMID: 24838733
2. American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media. Administration of contrast media to breast-feeding mothers. In, ACR manual on contrast media. 2017;Version 10.3:102-3. https://www.acr.org/~/media/37D84428BF1D4E1B9A3A2918DA9E27A3.pdf
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
