Which drug requires a 1-2 week interruption from breastfeeding after use?

PCP (phencyclidine) is a dissociative drug that can have significant effects on an individual’s mental and physical state. When understanding the implications of drug use while breastfeeding, it is important to consider both the drug's pharmacokinetics and its potential effects on the breastfeeding infant.

PCP is known to be excreted in breast milk, and the recommendation for a 1-2 week interruption from breastfeeding serves to minimize the infant's exposure to the substance while it clears from the mother’s system. The longer interruption period is necessary due to the drug's longer half-life and its potential to cause adverse effects in a nursing infant.

In contrast, other substances like cocaine and heroin may have different excretion timelines and recommendations regarding breastfeeding after use. For instance, cocaine has a shorter half-life and the recommendations differ based on the timing of use, while marijuana may also stay in the system longer but does not typically require such a lengthy interruption in breastfeeding.

Thus, the recommendation for a 1-2 week interruption specifically pertains to PCP due to its pharmacological properties and the importance of ensuring infant safety during the recovery period.