Azelaic Acid

Topical Antibacterial
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Pregnancy

Azelaic acid is minimally absorbed systemically following topical application, and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug.

More info on oral administration in animals: In animal reproduction studies, embryofetal toxicity was noted when azelaic acid was administered orally during the period of organogenesis at doses 162, 19, and 65 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) in rats, rabbits, and monkeys, respectively. Maternal toxicity was noted at these doses but no malformations were observed in these embryofetal developmental studies.

Breastfeeding

Azelaic acid is naturally present in human milk. When used topically, it is unlikely to be absorbed through the skin and change azelaic acid concentration in milk or impact milk production. Therefore, breastfeeding is not expected to result in exposure of the infant to topical azelaic acid. The health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s need for azelaic acid and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child.

If you are breastfeeding, speak with your physician before you use azelaic acid.

References
  1. Medlineplus.gov. (2024). Azelaic Acid: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603020.html [Accessed 24 Oct. 2024].
  2. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. (2024). Azelaic Acid. [online] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Azelaic-Acid [Accessed 24 Oct. 2024].
  3. Uptodate.com. (2024). Azelaic Acid. [online] Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/azelaic-acid-drug-information?search=azelaic%20acid&source=panel_search_result&selectedTitle=1~14&usage_type=panel&kp_tab=drug_general&display_rank=1 [Accessed 24 Oct. 2024].
  4. Epocrates.com. (2024). Azelaic Acid. [online] Available at: https://online.epocrates.com/drugs/42910/Azelex/Monograph. [Accessed 24 Oct. 2024].