Question

Jamie is 2 weeks postpartum and breastfeeding exclusively, however still requires some pain relief. She is worried about the effects Paracetamol (Panadol) might have on her infant through breastmilk.

1. Briefly address Jamie’s concerns; what would you tell her about Paracetamol? (discuss this with the client in coherent sentences of about 35 words.)

2. What 5 factors influence the movement of drugs into breastmilk? (your answer to this question can be in dot points)

3. Very briefly describe ‘ion trapping’ as it relates to drug concentration in the infant during breastfeeding. (full 1-point answer should be achieved in 50 words)

4. Name 2 analgesics that may become trapped in this way. (just the names of two analgesics is adequate)

Answer 1

1. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is considered safe while breastfeeding. 2. Factors influencing drug movement into breastmilk include chemical properties, dose and duration, metabolism and kidney function, pH, and timing of medication. 3. Ion trapping refers to drug concentration in breastmilk due to pH differences. 4. Aspirin and ibuprofen may become trapped in breastmilk and affect the infant.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is considered safe to use while breastfeeding. It is one of the most commonly used pain relievers and fever reducers, and it is unlikely to have any significant effects on the infant through breastmilk.

2. The movement of drugs into breastmilk can be influenced by several factors:

• Chemical properties of the drug
• Drug dose and duration of use
• Mom's metabolism and kidney function
• pH of breastmilk and infant's digestive system
• Timing of medication administration in relation to breastfeeding

3. 'Ion trapping' refers to the process where a drug becomes concentrated in a certain area of the body due to differences in pH. In the case of breastfeeding, if a drug is more acidic and breastmilk is more basic, the drug can concentrate in breastmilk and potentially affect the infant.

4. Two analgesics that may become trapped in breastmilk and affect the infant are aspirin and ibuprofen.