Drugs List

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

The use of clove oil during pregnancy has not been associated with any adverse effects, provided that the doses taken do not greatly exceed the amounts found in foods. The manufacturer recommends that caution is used when using clove oil if pregnant.

The use of all medication in pregnancy should be avoided whenever possible; particularly in the first trimester. Non-drug treatments should also be considered. When essential, a medication with the best safety record over time should be chosen, employing the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Polypharmacy should be avoided. Teratogens taken in the pre-embryonic period, often quoted as lasting until 14-17 days post-conception, are believed to have an all-or-nothing effect. Where drugs have a short half-life, and when the date of conception is certain, this may allow women to be reassured where drug exposure has occurred within this time frame. Further advice may be available from the UK National Teratology Information Service (NTIS) and through ToxBase, available via password at ( https://www.toxbase.org/ ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( https://www.TOXBASEbackup.org/ ).

Licensed in pregnancy? - No

Recommended for use in pregnancy? - Even though no adverse effects have been associated with using clove oil whilst pregnant, it is advised that caution be used

Known human teratogen? - No

Effects on foetus - No adverse effects known

Lactation

Neonates, infants born prematurely, those with low birth weight, those with an unstable gastrointestinal function or who have serious illnesses may require special consideration. For any infant, if a drug is prescribed to the nursing mother, it should be at the lowest practical dose and for the shortest time. When drug administration is unavoidable and breastfeeding is to continue, minimisation of exposure of the infant to the drug may sometimes be achieved by timing the maternal doses to just after a feeding episode. Infants exposed to drugs via breast milk should be monitored for unusual signs or symptoms. Interactions between the drug received by the infant from the mother's milk and medication prescribed for the infant should also be considered, for example, when the drug given to the infant may prevent metabolism of the drug received via breast milk.
Specialist advice is available from the UK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service at https://www.midlandsmedicines.nhs.uk/content.asp?section=6&subsection=17&pageIdx=1

Considered suitable or recommended by manufacturer? - The manufacturer advise that caution be used

Drug substance licensed in infants? - Contraindicated in infants under 2 years

Presentation

Clove oil 100%
Clove oil gel 20% - clove oil with peppermint essence

Drugs List

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

The use of clove oil during pregnancy has not been associated with any adverse effects, provided that the doses taken do not greatly exceed the amounts found in foods. The manufacturer recommends that caution is used when using clove oil if pregnant.

The use of all medication in pregnancy should be avoided whenever possible; particularly in the first trimester. Non-drug treatments should also be considered. When essential, a medication with the best safety record over time should be chosen, employing the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Polypharmacy should be avoided. Teratogens taken in the pre-embryonic period, often quoted as lasting until 14-17 days post-conception, are believed to have an all-or-nothing effect. Where drugs have a short half-life, and when the date of conception is certain, this may allow women to be reassured where drug exposure has occurred within this time frame. Further advice may be available from the UK National Teratology Information Service (NTIS) and through ToxBase, available via password at ( https://www.toxbase.org/ ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( https://www.TOXBASEbackup.org/ ).

Licensed in pregnancy? - No

Recommended for use in pregnancy? - Even though no adverse effects have been associated with using clove oil whilst pregnant, it is advised that caution be used

Known human teratogen? - No

Effects on foetus - No adverse effects known

Lactation

Neonates, infants born prematurely, those with low birth weight, those with an unstable gastrointestinal function or who have serious illnesses may require special consideration. For any infant, if a drug is prescribed to the nursing mother, it should be at the lowest practical dose and for the shortest time. When drug administration is unavoidable and breastfeeding is to continue, minimisation of exposure of the infant to the drug may sometimes be achieved by timing the maternal doses to just after a feeding episode. Infants exposed to drugs via breast milk should be monitored for unusual signs or symptoms. Interactions between the drug received by the infant from the mother's milk and medication prescribed for the infant should also be considered, for example, when the drug given to the infant may prevent metabolism of the drug received via breast milk.
Specialist advice is available from the UK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service at https://www.midlandsmedicines.nhs.uk/content.asp?section=6&subsection=17&pageIdx=1

Considered suitable or recommended by manufacturer? - The manufacturer advise that caution be used

Drug substance licensed in infants? - Contraindicated in infants under 2 years

Overdosage

It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.

The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111)

Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( https://www.toxbase.org/ ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( https://www.TOXBASEbackup.org/ ).

Reference Sources

Herbal Medicines, 3rd edition (2007) ed. Barnes, J., Anderson, L. and Phillipson, J. Pharmaceutical Press, London.

Summary of Product Characteristics: Jacksons Clove Oil Gel/ Dentogen Clove Oil Gel. Anglian Pharma Sales & Marketing Ltd. Revised September 2009.

Summary of Product Characteristics: Clove Oil BP. L.C.M.Ltd. Revised April 2008.