Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Can breastfeeding moms take Z pack?

Can breastfeeding moms take Z pack?

Understanding the Safety of Z-Pak for Breastfeeding Moms
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing their health while ensuring the safety of their infants. One common concern is whether medications, such as the Z-Pak (azithromycin), are safe to take during lactation.
What is Z-Pak?
Z-Pak is a brand name for azithromycin, an antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. It is favored for its convenience, typically administered in a short course of five days.
Safety Profile of Azithromycin in Breastfeeding
Research indicates that azithromycin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The drug is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations, which means that the amount an infant would receive through breastfeeding is minimal. Studies have shown that these low levels are unlikely to cause serious side effects in breastfed infants.
According to the Lactation Database (LactMed), the levels of azithromycin found in breast milk are low enough that adverse effects in infants are not expected. However, it is still advisable for mothers to monitor their infants for any gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea or vomiting, which could occur due to changes in gut flora.
Recommendations from Health Experts
Health professionals typically recommend that breastfeeding mothers consult with their healthcare provider before starting any medication, including azithromycin. The decision to use Z-Pak should weigh the benefits of treating the mother’s infection against any potential risks to the infant. In most cases, if a doctor deems it necessary for the mother to take azithromycin, it is likely that the benefits will outweigh the risks.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can generally take Z-Pak if prescribed by a healthcare provider. The low levels of azithromycin in breast milk and the absence of serious side effects in infants make it a viable option for treating infections. However, as with any medication, it is crucial for mothers to discuss their specific circumstances with their healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

Can clindamycin affect my baby?

Clindamycin has the potential to cause adverse effects on the breastfed infant’s gastrointestinal flora. If oral or intravenous clindamycin is required by a nursing mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding, but an alternate drug may be preferred.

Which antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding?

The following antibiotics are all safe to take whilst breastfeeding;

  • Amoxycillin, Amoxil ®,
  • Azithromycin, Zithromax®,
  • Cefaclor, Distaclor®,
  • Cefuroxime, Zinnat®
  • Cephalexin, Cefalexin, Keflex®,
  • Cephradine, Velosef®,
  • Clarithromycin, Klaricid®,
  • Co-amoxiclav, Augmentin®,

Is a zpack safe while breastfeeding?

Azithromycin and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it’s OK to take azithromycin while breastfeeding. Azithromycin passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies.

Does clindamycin pass through breast milk?

Clindamycin gets into breastmilk in small amounts when women are given clindamycin orally (by mouth) or intravenously (IV). In those situations, clindamycin might cause some gastrointestinal (GI) effects in a breastfeeding (e.g. nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, diaper rash, thrush, or rarely bloody stools).

Who should not take a Z pack?

ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or any other medicine. liver or kidney problems. heart problems, including irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) ever had diarrhoea when you have taken antibiotics before.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug Comment
Iodine High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral) Potential for serious adverse effects

Can antibiotics make your milk supply drop?

Occasionally women are given medications that can interfere with their milk supply. A common clinical scenario is a woman who has an overwhelming allergic reaction to something, such as an antibiotic given to her for mastitis.

What antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding acne?

Another common antibiotic used for acne treatment is MetroGel (metronidazole). Per Hale, “the topical application of metronidazole gel provides only exceedingly low plasma levels in the mother and minimal to no levels in milk.” Topical use of Retin-A (tretinoin) is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Which antibiotics are not used in breastfeeding?

Antibiotics to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Clindamycin: Clindamycin can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal (GI) effects like diarrhea, vomiting, diaper rash, or thrush in a breastfed baby2. Co-trimoxazole: Rarely prescribed to breastfeeding parents of newborns because of an association with increased jaundice3.

What can I take for a sinus infection while breastfeeding?

Corticosteroid nasal sprays containing beclomethasone and budesonide are considered safe to use during breastfeeding. Decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline or tramazoline may be used if corticosteroid and antihistamine nasal sprays have not relieved the symptoms.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment