Last update July 19, 2026

P03BX01

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Diethyltoluamide, or DEET, is an insect repellent effective against mosquitoes, black flies, ticks, fleas and leeches. It is considered useful for protection against malaria. It is applied to the skin and clothing.

As of the date of the last update, we have found no published data on its excretion into breast milk.

It should not be ingested, as its pharmacokinetic properties (low molecular weight, moderate dermal absorption and high lipophilicity) make it likely to pass into breast milk in quantities that could be significant. However, it is highly unlikely that topical application would result in significant absorption. 

There is no evidence that the use of DEET by breastfeeding mothers affects the infant. (Koren 2003)

Avoid using products with a concentration higher than 25%, do not use on very large areas of skin (Chen 2009) and do not apply to the breast. Avoid contact with the baby and ensure good ventilation.

Product approved by the American Academy of Paediatrics for use in infants over two months of age at concentrations not exceeding 30 per cent. (AAP 2017)

WHO and US Centres for Disease Control List of Essential Medicines: compatible with breastfeeding. (CDC 2022, WHO/UNICEF, 2002)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for P03BX01 since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
DONATE NOW

Other names

P03BX01 is Diethyltoluamide (DEET) in ATC Code/s.

Is written in other languages:

Group

P03BX01 belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing P03BX01 in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. Dermat. 9 - 56 ; Oral 100 %
Molecular weight 191 daltons
Tmax 1 - 2 hours
T½ 2.5 hours

References

  1. CDC. Avoid bug bites. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advice for travelers. 2022 Full text (link to original source)
  2. AAP. American Academy of Pediatrics. Summer Safety Tips. 2017 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Chen LH, Zeind C, Mackell S, LaPointe T, Mutsch M, Wilson ME. Breastfeeding travelers: precautions and recommendations. J Travel Med. 2010 Jan-Feb;17(1):32-47. Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  4. Koren G, Matsui D, Bailey B. DEET-based insect repellents: safety implications for children and pregnant and lactating women. CMAJ. 2003 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

Total visits

3,235

Help us improve this entry

How to cite this entry

Do you need more information or did not found what you were looking for?

   Write us at elactancia.org@gmail.com

e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Asociación Pro Lactancia Materna (APROLAM) of Mexico

Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM