Can I take nitrofurantoin while breastfeeding?

Can I Take Nitrofurantoin While Breastfeeding?
When it comes to the use of nitrofurantoin during breastfeeding, the consensus among health professionals is generally supportive, but with important caveats. Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs), and its compatibility with breastfeeding has been a topic of interest for many nursing mothers.
Safety Profile and Dosage Considerations
Research indicates that nitrofurantoin is considered compatible with breastfeeding, particularly for mothers with healthy, full-term infants. The relative infant dose of nitrofurantoin is estimated to be about 0.2 mg/kg, which corresponds to roughly 6% of the maternal dose per day. This low percentage suggests that the amount of the drug transferred to breast milk is minimal and unlikely to pose significant risks to the nursing infant.
However, caution is advised for specific populations. The product label for nitrofurantoin explicitly states that it should not be used by breastfeeding mothers if their infants are less than one month old or if the infant has a diagnosis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This is due to the potential risk of hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made.
Recommendations for Use
For mothers of older infants, nitrofurantoin can be safely used, but healthcare providers often recommend considering alternative antibiotics for those with very young infants or those at risk for G6PD deficiency. The time frame of greatest risk for hemolysis in newborns without G6PD deficiency is particularly acute, occurring within the first 8 days after birth .
In summary, while nitrofurantoin is generally deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers with healthy, full-term infants, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to assess individual circumstances and potential risks. This ensures that both the mother’s health needs and the infant’s safety are adequately addressed.

Is it safe to take nitrofurantoin while breastfeeding?

Nitrofurantoin and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take nitrofurantoin while breastfeeding. Nitrofurantoin passes into breast milk in small amounts and is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. But it’s best to take nitrofurantoin only for a short time.

Why is nitrofurantoin not used for UTI?

The renal elimination of nitrofurantoin is reduced in patients with low estimated glomerular filtration rate, which can increase the risk of treatment failure for urinary tract infection and possibly also the risk of adverse events caused by elevated blood concentrations of the drug.

Does nitrofurantoin interact with milk?

Nitrofurantoin is best taken with food or milk. This may lessen stomach upset and help your body to absorb the medicine. Shake the oral liquid forcefully before each dose to make sure the medicine is evenly mixed. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately.

Can nitrofurantoin cause miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Two studies including 173 pregnancies did not find an association with nitrofurantoin use and an increased chance for miscarriage. However, people with untreated urine infections might have a greater chance for miscarriage.

When should nitrofurantoin be avoided?

Who may not be able to take nitrofurantoin

1. ever had an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin or any other medicine.
2. porphyria, a rare blood disorder.
3. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a rare condition that affects your red blood cells.
4. severe kidney disease.
5. diabetes.
6. a lung condition.

Do antibiotics affect breast milk?

Antibiotic usage is fairly common among breastfeeding mothers and there is potential for transfer to infants through breast milk. While most medicines taken by lactating women cause no harm to their babies, at times it can result in serious consequences.

What antibiotics are used for UTI in nursing?

Infection management: The most common antibiotics used for UTIs are nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), cephalexin (Keflex), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim). These are usually given to clients who can receive outclient management.

What antibiotics can I take for a UTI while breastfeeding?

These typically are trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or ofloxacin. The above antibiotics (including fluoroquinolones) for UTI are considered safe by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for nursing infants, with no reported effects seen in infants who are breastfeeding.

Is nitrofurantoin safe during pregnancy?

It is very important to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy. Nitrofurantoin is commonly used during the first and second trimesters and is not known to affect the baby. Nitrofurantoin might also be used in later pregnancy if tests show it is the best antibiotic to treat a UTI.

What can I take at home for UTI while breastfeeding?

Home Remedies for UTIs

1. Drinking Plenty of Water. Drinking plenty of water increases urine production.
2. Cranberry Juice. Cranberry is not a new remedy in the realm of medicine.
3. Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps manage UTIs in two main ways.
4. Probiotics.
5. Baking Soda.
6. Avoiding Irritants.
7. Applying Heat.
8. Emptying the Bladder Regularly.