Treatment of Narcolepsy with Sodium Oxybate While Breastfeeding: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Sodium oxybate is used in the treatment of narcolepsy. Currently no published literature supports its safety during breastfeeding, although it has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile for minimizing exposure.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We report a case of a 27-year-old primigravida with narcolepsy who was taking sodium oxybate for symptom control and contacted our Lactation Study Center for advice. Based on our current pharmacokinetic knowledge, she was advised to avoid breastfeeding 4 hours after a dose.

RESULTS

Follow-up phone interviews were done and the patient reported that the feeding schedule was manageable, and she was able to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months of her infant's life. Based on pediatric records, her infant's growth and development were excellent. There were no noted side effects of the medication for the infant.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report to our knowledge of breastfeeding during maternal therapy with sodium oxybate, which appears to be compatible with safe, exclusive breastfeeding when managed appropriately.