The Global Authority in Lactation Pharmacology

Expert Guidance for Medications During Breastfeeding & Pregnancy

When clinicians, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies need answers about medication safety during lactation, they turn to InfantRisk. We maintain Hale's Medications and Mothers' Milk, the standard reference in the field; operate a helpline that has answered more than 160,000 clinician and parent calls; and conduct the drug-in-milk studies that shape clinical guidance worldwide.

For Clinicians

Pharmacokinetic data, RID values, and clinical protocols for prescribing during lactation. Trusted by physicians, pharmacists, and NPs worldwide.

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For Breastfeeding Mothers

Evidence-based answers about medications, supplements, and procedures during breastfeeding — written clearly, sourced from original research.

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For Researchers

Peer-reviewed publications, active studies, and opportunities to contribute breast milk samples to ongoing pharmacology research at TTUHSC.

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Peer-reviewed science

Research & Publications

We study how medications transfer into breast milk, so clinicians and families can make informed, evidence-based decisions. Every finding is peer-reviewed and published in indexed medical journals.

Featured publication

Cariprazine in Human Milk: Cautionary Implications for Use During Lactation

Cariprazine is prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and treatment-resistant depression — conditions that can worsen postpartum, making medication continuity critical for maternal health. Using samples from the InfantRisk Human Milk Biorepository, we analyzed milk from 5 lactating women taking cariprazine 1.5–4.5 mg daily and measured concentrations of cariprazine and its two active metabolites using LC-MS/MS. Cumulative relative infant dose (RID) was 2.54%, and the highest individual exposure was 3.99% — both below the accepted 10% safety threshold. However, two mothers reported infant lethargy, and the long half-life of the metabolite DDCAR raises concern about accumulation with prolonged exposure. These findings — the first empirical human milk data for cariprazine — suggest that breastfeeding may be possible under clinical supervision, but that further research including pharmacokinetic modeling is warranted, particularly at higher maternal doses.

Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology Datta P, Trehan S, Krutsch K, Stark A, Balamurali S 2026 Read full paper

Manufacturer-documented infrared interference from SSRIs: A confound in breast milk fat and pharmacokinetic studies

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2026 Read

Case of infant with metabolic crisis from lactational hypoglycin A and fatty acid defect

Pediatrics 2026 Read

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Breastfeeding mothers can help by donating milk samples to active drug transfer studies. Prepaid overnight shipping provided.

Latest from the InfantRisk Center

Recent Publications & Clinical Reviews

Our research doesn't stop at the journal. These articles translate InfantRisk Center findings and peer-reviewed literature into accessible guidance for patients, clinicians, and lactation specialists — original science, clearly explained.