TOXNET Update: LactMed Moved to Bookshelf

As noted in a previous Technical Bulletin, TOXNET will be retired on December 16, 2019. One of the most popular TOXNET databases is the Drugs and Lactation Database, usually called LactMed, which has been moved to the NCBI Bookshelf and will continue to be updated there.

LactMed is a curated database of drugs and other chemicals to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed. It includes information on the levels of such substances in breast milk and infant blood, and the possible adverse effects in the nursing infant. Records may include a summary, therapeutic alternatives to selected drugs, references to the scientific literature, and links to credible organizations and other National Library of Medicine (NLM) databases.

LactMed debuted in 2006 (see LactMed: A New Database on Drugs and Lactation from NLM) and has grown to nearly 1,500 records. It is heavily used by both healthcare providers and the public. With the decision to retire the TOXNET interface, LactMed has been moved to a different platform, NCBI's Bookshelf. You can already access LactMed at its new Bookshelf location, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/. Users who would like more information about using the new interface can find it at Accessing LactMed Content from NCBI Bookshelf or as a PDF.

Since the TOXNET API and mobile site will also be retired, LactMed data will no longer be available through those means. In addition, the LactMed apps for Android and iOS devices will be retired. Current users of the LactMed apps are encouraged to continue accessing LactMed via Bookshelf. Alternatively, the dataset can be downloaded from NLM's Data Distribution site and through the NLM Open Access subset.