The Basics
What is Botulinum Poisoning?
A rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Brand names for Botulinum Poisoning
N/A
How Botulinum Poisoning is classified
Foodborne Diseases, Poisoning
Botulinum Poisoning During Pregnancy
Botulinum 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 Botulinum Poisoning while pregnant
N/A
Taking Botulinum Poisoning While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Botulinum Poisoning?
Breastfeeding is considered to be a risk factor for infant botulism via direct exposure, possibly because of changes in the intestinal flora during weaning.[1] An epidemiologic study in California in 1976-1978 found the age of onset of the disease to be later in breastfed infants (13.8 weeks) than in formula-fed infants (7.6 weeks) and no breastfed infants died from the disease, whereas 8 cases of sudden death from botulism occurred in formula-fed infants.[2] A subsequent study found no difference is severity between breast- and formula-fed infants.[3] Little information is available on the transfer of the botulinum toxin into breastmilk. Mothers suspected of having botulinum poisoning should not breastfeed until they have recovered.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Breastfeeding is considered to be a risk factor for infant botulism via direct exposure, possibly because of changes in the intestinal flora during weaning.[1] An epidemiologic study in California in 1976-1978 found the age of onset of the disease to be later in breastfed infants (13.8 weeks) than in formula-fed infants (7.6 weeks) and no breastfed infants died from the disease, whereas 8 cases of sudden death from botulism occurred in formula-fed infants.[2] A subsequent study found no difference is severity between breast- and formula-fed infants.[3] Little information is available on the transfer of the botulinum toxin into breastmilk. Mothers suspected of having botulinum poisoning should not breastfeed until they have recovered.
Possible effects of Botulinum Poisoning on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Botulinum 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. Brook I. Infant botulism. J Perinatol. 2007;27:175-80. PMID: 17314986
2. Arnon SS, Damus K, Thompson B et al. Protective role of human milk against sudden death from infant botulism. J Pediatr. 1982;100:568-73. PMID: 7038077
3. Spika JS, Shaffer N, Hargrett-Bean N et al. Risk factors for infant botulism in the United States. Am J Dis Child. 1989;143:828-32. PMID: 2741856
4. Middaugh J. Botulism and breast milk. N Engl J Med. 1978;298:343. PMID: 622098
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.
