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World J Pharmacol. Dec 9, 2014; 3(4): 153-161
Published online Dec 9, 2014. doi: 10.5497/wjp.v3.i4.153
Pharmacological role of efflux transporters: Clinical implications for medication use during breastfeeding
Hilai Ahmadzai, Lisa BG Tee, Andrew Crowe
Hilai Ahmadzai, Lisa BG Tee, Andrew Crowe, School of Pharmacy and Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
Author contributions: All authors contributed to this paper equally.
Correspondence to: Dr. Andrew Crowe, School of Pharmacy and Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia. a.p.crowe@curtin.edu.au
Telephone: +61-8-92663423 Fax: +61-8-92662769
Received: June 28, 2014
Revised: September 3, 2014
Accepted: September 23, 2014
Published online: December 9, 2014
Processing time: 166 Days and 17.1 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: The aim of this review was to analyse the available literature on psychoactive drugs specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics and antiepileptic drugs that are commonly prescribed during lactation and pregnancy. This review investigated whether these drugs are substrates and/or inhibitors of efflux transporters especially of P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein and whether this has any effect on adverse outcomes in the breastfed infant of mothers who use these pharmacotherapeutic agents. Current evidence on acute adverse effects in breastfed infants due to the aforementioned drug groups either as sole treatment or their use in combination with other drugs was also explored.