The Basics
What is Sincalide?
Used to help diagnose disorders of the gallbladder or pancreas; also used to speed up digestion of barium, a contrast agent, given in preparation for x-ray examination of the intestines.
Brand names for Sincalide
Kinevac
How Sincalide is classified
Gastrointestinal Hormones, Cholecystokinin, Diagnostic Agents
Sincalide During Pregnancy
Sincalide pregnancy category
Category BNote 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 Sincalide while pregnant
Reproduction studies in rats in which sincalide was administered subcutaneously at doses up to 12.5 times the maximum recommended human dose revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to sincalide. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed (see WARNINGS).
Taking Sincalide While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Sincalide?
Sincalide is a synthetic octapeptide analogue of cholecystokinin. Because sincalide has a molecular weight of 1143, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and oral absorption by the infant is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. The serum half-life of sincalide is less than 2 minutes, indicating that withholding breastfeeding for 10 minutes after a dose should ensure that the infant is not exposed to the drug.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Sincalide is a synthetic octapeptide analogue of cholecystokinin. Because sincalide has a molecular weight of 1143, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and oral absorption by the infant is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. The serum half-life of sincalide is less than 2 minutes, indicating that withholding breastfeeding for 10 minutes after a dose should ensure that the infant is not exposed to the drug.
Possible effects of Sincalide on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Sincalide
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/None listed
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.
