SULFANILAMIDE EXCRETION IN HUMAN BREAST MILK

Abstract

Popularity of sulfanilamide in medical literature has created unusual interest and suggested broad therapeutic application. Originally introduced as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of puerperal sepsis due to the beta hemolytic streptococcus, its value in that field has been repeatedly demonstrated. Many publications have emphasized the toxic effects on the patient from overdosage or on susceptible persons. On account of the frequent administration of sulfanilamide to nursing mothers, the following important questions are raised: 1. Is it excreted in breast milk? 2. If so, in what amounts? 3. What effect may be expected on the nursing babies? To answer these questions, quantitative estimations of free sulfanilamide were made on the blood and milk of nursing mothers and on the blood and urine of breast-fed babies. The presence of sulfanilamide has been demonstrated in many body fluids and tissues. It is excreted chiefly in the urine. Concentrations in the cerebrospinal