Can a breastfeeding mother take metronidazole?

Can a Breastfeeding Mother Take Metronidazole?
Metronidazole, an antibiotic commonly used to treat various infections, raises important questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers. The consensus among health professionals is nuanced, depending on the form of the medication and the specific circumstances of its use.
Topical and Vaginal Use
For mothers using metronidazole topically or as a vaginal gel, the risks appear minimal. According to the NHS, when metronidazole is applied to the skin or used as a vaginal gel, it is unlikely to enter breast milk in significant amounts. This means that breastfeeding can generally continue without concern during such treatments. However, some manufacturers of vaginal products recommend avoiding breastfeeding during treatment and for two days after the last dose, highlighting the need for caution.
Oral Administration
The situation becomes more complex with oral metronidazole. Research indicates that this form of the medication is excreted into breast milk, which raises potential concerns for breastfeeding infants. While some studies suggest that the levels found in breast milk are relatively low, there have been reports of side effects in infants, such as increased incidence of diarrhea and yeast infections. Therefore, if a doctor prescribes oral metronidazole, it is crucial for the mother to inform them of her breastfeeding status, as the risks may outweigh the benefits in certain cases.
Monitoring and Recommendations
For specific infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, metronidazole may be prescribed in doses that allow for continued breastfeeding, but close monitoring of the infant is advised. The LactMed database notes that after vaginal administration, plasma levels of the drug in mothers are significantly lower than after oral doses, suggesting that the risk to breastfeeding infants may be reduced with non-oral forms.
Conclusion
In summary, while topical and vaginal uses of metronidazole are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, oral administration poses more significant risks due to the drug’s presence in breast milk. Mothers should always consult healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks of using metronidazole while breastfeeding, ensuring that both maternal health and infant safety are prioritized.

Which antibiotic is safe during breastfeeding?

All penicillin antibiotics can be used during breastfeeding with precautionary infant monitoring. Flucloxacillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) and the broad-spectrum penicillins, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin, are the preferred choices as there is more evidence and experience to support their use.

Does metronidazole react with milk?

There are no known interactions between metronidazole and foods or nonalcoholic drinks. Do not drink alcohol or anything that has propylene glycol in it while taking metronidazole or for three days after you finish taking it.

What happens to babies when breastfeeding on antibiotics?

Most antibiotics can produce excessively loose motions in the baby, with the appearance of diarrhoea. Some infants appear more unsettled with tummy aches or colic. These effects are not clinically significant and do not require treatment. The value of continued breastfeeding outweighs the temporary inconvenience.

What happens if you have BV while giving birth?

What happens if my doctor fails to detect my bacterial vaginosis? During labor and delivery, BV can create serious complications if a doctor fails to detect and treat the problem. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to premature delivery, low birth weight or even miscarriage.

What can I take for BV while breastfeeding?

For some infections (e.g., bacterial vaginosis, urogenital trichomoniasis, or giardiasis), doses of 2g metronidazole are licensed, either as a single dose, or daily for a three-day course. Breastfeeding may continue during treatment, but infant monitoring is required.

What can I drink to flush out BV?

Some studies show that eating yogurt or probiotic supplements may treat bacterial vaginosis, and is quite safe. Another promising remedy is boric acid, a white powder with antifungal and antiviral properties.

What can I take for diarrhea while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers can take loperamide and/or rehydrating solutions and feed as normal. Acute diarrhoea is a sudden onset or loose and/or frequent bowel motions. It may be caused by infections e.g. food poisoning or a virus.

What medication is not safe for breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

Is metronidazole safe while breastfeeding?

Metronidazole and breastfeeding
It’s OK to take metronidazole while you’re breastfeeding. When metronidazole is taken by mouth, as suppositories, or injected, it passes into breast milk in fairly small amounts. It’s unlikely to cause side effects in your baby, but a few babies have had diarrhoea.

What are the side effects of metronidazole for babies?

Check with your child’s doctor if your child continues to have any of these side effects and they do not go away, or they bother your child:

• dizziness.
• headache.
• diarrhea.
• nausea or vomiting.
• stomach pain or cramps.
• loss of appetite.
• dry mouth, metallic taste in mouth.