Codeine toxicity via breast Milk: Can this occur and implications for opiate therapy in children

Michael Rieder

doi:10.1002/bcp.70639

June 21, 2026British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Codeine toxicity via breast Milk: Can this occur and implications for opiate therapy in children

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Key Points

This research aims to explore the risks associated with codeine use during breastfeeding and its effects on infants.
Review of literature regarding codeine use in breastfeeding mothers.
Analysis of reports on adverse effects related to genetic differences in drug metabolism.
Consideration of clinical implications for treating infants exposed to codeine in breast milk.
Codeine can pose serious toxicity risks to infants through breast milk due to variable metabolism affected by genetic polymorphisms.
Healthy breastfeeding mothers may unknowingly expose their infants to potentially harmful levels of codeine.
Clinicians are urged to assess the risks and consider alternative pain relief options for breastfeeding mothers.

Implication

This discussion uncovers potential toxicity from codeine in breast milk in breastfeeding mothers, suggesting caution in opiate therapy for infants.

Abstract

Codeine is commonly used in combination analgesic products. The use of codeine during breastfeeding can rarely be associated with serious adverse effects related to genetic polymorphisms affecting codeine's metabolism and disposition. Clinicians treating infants of breastfeeding mothers should be aware of this rare but potentially serious complication.

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Cite This Study

Michael Rieder (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a3a2294111626ef22ab70fd https://doi.org/10.1002/bcp.70639

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Codeine toxicity via breast Milk: Can this occur and implications for opiate therapy in children

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Codeine toxicity via breast Milk: Can this occur and implications for opiate therapy in children

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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