International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What is the significance of a medication's Relative Infant Dose (RID) being less than 1?

1. It would not affect the mother

2. It indicates a higher risk to the infant

3. It suggests a lower transfer to the infant

4. It means the medication is safe for all ages

The correct answer is: It suggests a lower transfer to the infant

A Relative Infant Dose (RID) of less than 1 is significant because it indicates that the amount of medication that transfers to the infant through breastfeeding is relatively small compared to the maternal dose. Specifically, an RID of less than 1 suggests that the infant is receiving a minimal fraction of the dose that the mother is taking. This can be an important measure for determining the safety and appropriateness of a medication for breastfeeding mothers, as it implies that the potential for adverse effects in the infant is lower than if the RID were greater than 1. In clinical practice, this measure helps lactation consultants and healthcare professionals assess the risks versus benefits of a particular medication while considering the infant's health and safety in relation to maternal treatment.