The Basics
What is Ciguatera Poisoning?
A foodborne illness caused by eating reef fish whose flesh is contaminated with certain toxins. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, numbness, itchiness, sensitivity to hot and cold, dizziness, and weakness.
Brand names for Ciguatera Poisoning
N/A
How Ciguatera Poisoning is classified
Foodborne Diseases, Poisoning
Ciguatera Poisoning During Pregnancy
Ciguatera Poisoning 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 Ciguatera Poisoning while pregnant
N/A
Taking Ciguatera Poisoning While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ciguatera Poisoning?
Ciguatera toxin is created in tropical reef-dwelling fish that ingest toxins from algal blooms produced by the dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus toxicus. The main toxin appears to be ciguatoxin, although maitotoxin has also been implicated. Ciguatera can present initially with gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms, such as paresthesias of the extremities and around the mouth. Although the fatality rate is low, neurologic effects can last for weeks. Mothers suspected of having ciguatera poisoning should not breastfeed until they have recovered.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Ciguatera toxin is created in tropical reef-dwelling fish that ingest toxins from algal blooms produced by the dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus toxicus. The main toxin appears to be ciguatoxin, although maitotoxin has also been implicated. Ciguatera can present initially with gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms, such as paresthesias of the extremities and around the mouth. Although the fatality rate is low, neurologic effects can last for weeks. Mothers suspected of having ciguatera poisoning should not breastfeed until they have recovered.
Possible effects of Ciguatera Poisoning on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Ciguatera Poisoning
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. Bagnis RA, Legrand AM. Clinical features on 12,890 cases of ciguatera (fish poisoning) in French Polynesia. In, Gopalakrishnakone P, Tan CK, eds. Progress in venom and toxin research: Proceedings of the First Asia-Pacific Congress on Animal, Plant, and Microbial Toxins. Singapore. June 24-27, 1987.372-84.
2. Anon. Letter to the editor. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1989;31:71. Letter.
3. Blythe DG, de Sylva DP. Mother’s milk turns toxic following fish feast. JAMA. 1990;264:2074. Letter. PMID: 2214071
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.
