Can you breastfeed while taking azithromycin?

Can You Breastfeed While Taking Azithromycin?
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of balancing their health needs with the safety of their infants. One common concern is whether it is safe to take medications like azithromycin while nursing. Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, is frequently prescribed to treat various bacterial infections, but its compatibility with breastfeeding is a topic of interest for many new mothers.
Azithromycin and Breast Milk
Research indicates that azithromycin is excreted into human breast milk, albeit in relatively low concentrations. According to medical sources, the amount of the drug that passes into breast milk is generally considered to be minimal, which suggests that it is unlikely to cause significant harm to a breastfeeding infant. The American Academy of Pediatrics categorizes azithromycin as a medication that is usually compatible with breastfeeding, meaning that the benefits of treating the mother may outweigh potential risks to the child.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
Despite the general consensus on the safety of azithromycin during breastfeeding, it is crucial for mothers to consult their healthcare providers before starting any medication. This is particularly important if the mother has specific health conditions or if the infant has any underlying health issues. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s health status and the infant’s needs.
Potential Side Effects
While azithromycin is typically safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects. Some mothers may experience gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea or diarrhea, which could indirectly affect breastfeeding if the mother is unable to nurse comfortably. Additionally, monitoring the infant for any unusual symptoms is advisable, although serious adverse effects from the drug are rare.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while taking azithromycin is generally considered safe, with minimal transfer of the drug into breast milk. However, it is always best practice for mothers to discuss their specific circumstances with a healthcare provider to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child. By doing so, mothers can make informed decisions about their treatment while continuing to provide nourishment to their infants.

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

Is azithromycin safe to take when 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.

What are the effects of azithromycin in babies?

Side effects you must do something about
If your child is short of breath or is wheezing, or their face, lips or tongue start to swell, or they develop a rash, they may be allergic to Azithromycin. Take your child to hospital or phone for an ambulance straight away.

Which antibiotics avoid milk?

Do not take the liquid or tablets with dairy products (such as milk, cheese and yoghurt) or drinks with added calcium (such as some dairy-free milks). They stop ciprofloxacin entering the body from the stomach. Leave a gap of at least 2 hours between taking ciprofloxacin and having this type of food and drink.

Is azithromycin affected by milk?

Frequently asked questions about dairy product interactions
The manufacturers of cefdinir, cephalexin, and azithromycin (Zithromax) don’t caution against taking these antibiotics with milk. Similarly, the antibiotics amoxicillin (Amoxil) and Augmentin (amoxicillin / potassium clavulanate) can be taken with milk.

What antibiotics are safe while 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.

Can you pass an infection through breast milk?

Breast milk can occasionally transmit serious viral and bacterial infections to preterm infants. We present three cases of late-onset neonatal sepsis, including one that resulted in death, occurring in preterm infants. The likely source of the microorganisms in all three cases was expressed breast milk.

Can azithromycin affect the baby?

Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to support that azithromycin use by pregnant women causes adverse outcomes in their offspring. Therefore, this agent should only be used during pregnancy when clinically indicated, if the benefits of treatment are expected to outweigh the potential risks.

What to avoid when taking azithromycin?

Cautions with other medicines

• antacids for indigestion.
• ergotamine or dihydroergotamine – for migraine.
• warfarin, to help prevent blood clots.
• ciclosporin or tacrolimus – medicines to stop your immune system overreacting.
• colchicine, a medicine used for gout and some other inflammatory conditions.

What are the nursing implications for azithromycin?

Instruct patient not to take azithromycin with food or antacids. May cause drowsiness and dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known. Advise patient to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.