A lactating mother with moderate postpartum depression requires an SSRI. Which agent is preferred because it transfers into breast milk to the smallest extent among the SSRIs?
- A Fluoxetine
- B Sertraline ✓
- C Citalopram
- D Escitalopram
Correct answer: B. Sertraline
Explanation
Sertraline has the lowest relative infant dose among SSRIs, typically under 1 percent of the maternal weight-adjusted dose, and detectable drug is often absent from infant serum, making it the usual first choice in breastfeeding. Fluoxetine is the least preferred option here because its long half-life and that of norfluoxetine lead to accumulation and higher measured infant levels.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.