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Can you mix amoxicillin with breastmilk?

Mixing Amoxicillin with Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
When it comes to the safety of mixing amoxicillin with breast milk, the consensus among health professionals is generally reassuring. Amoxicillin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, is often used to treat various bacterial infections, and its implications for breastfeeding mothers and their infants are important to understand.
Low Levels in Breast Milk
Research indicates that amoxicillin produces low levels in breast milk, which are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. While there have been occasional reports of side effects such as rashes or gastrointestinal disturbances—like diarrhea or thrush—these occurrences are relatively rare and not well-documented. The overall risk to infants appears minimal, making amoxicillin a viable option for nursing mothers who require antibiotic treatment.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence
A study highlighted that when amoxicillin is dissolved in breast milk, it exhibits pharmacokinetic profiles comparable to those dissolved in water. This suggests that the effectiveness of the medication remains intact regardless of the medium used for dissolution. Therefore, if a healthcare provider recommends administering amoxicillin in a liquid form, mixing it with breast milk is not only feasible but also effective.
Clinical Recommendations
Amoxicillin is often prescribed for conditions like mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue that can occur in breastfeeding mothers. Given that the antibiotic can pass into breast milk, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers regarding the timing and method of administration. However, the general guidance is that mixing amoxicillin with breast milk is acceptable and does not necessitate any modifications to dosing schedules.
Conclusion
In summary, mixing amoxicillin with breast milk is considered safe and effective for breastfeeding mothers. The low levels of the antibiotic that transfer into breast milk, combined with its comparable effectiveness when mixed with breast milk or water, provide reassurance for mothers needing antibiotic treatment. As always, it is advisable for mothers to discuss their specific circumstances with a healthcare professional to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their infants.

Does amoxicillin pass into breastmilk?

Amoxicillin is safe for use in women who are breastfeeding. Its physical characteristics, including low fat solubility, low protein binding, and acidic pH, limit its transfer into breastmilk. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers this drug to be safe to take when breastfeeding.

Can antibiotics in breast milk affect baby?

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.

Can I mix antibiotics with breast milk?

Any drug passing into breastmilk is therefore unlikely to be absorbed in sufficient quantities by the baby and there is no need to cease breastfeeding on safety grounds.

Can amoxicillin be in breastmilk?

Amoxicillin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
After a single 1 gram oral dose of amoxicillin in 6 women, peak milk amoxicillin levels occurred 4 to 5 hours after the dose. Average milk levels were 0.69 mg/L (range 0.46 to 0.88 mg/L) at 4 hours and 0.81 mg/L (range 0.39 to 1.3 mg/L) at 5 hours after the dose.

Is it okay to mix antibiotics with milk?

Food and Drink Interactions with Antibiotics
Similarly, it’s recommended that antibiotics are not taken with fruit juices or dairy products, as they can affect the body’s ability to absorb the medication. Instead, it is recommended that the drug is taken with water only.

Can I mix amoxicillin with milk for baby?

Measure the dose with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. You may mix the oral liquid with a baby formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or another cold drink. Be sure the child drinks all of the mixture immediately.

What cannot be mixed with amoxicillin?

8. Cautions with other medicines

  • methotrexate, used to treat arthritis and psoriasis.
  • warfarin, a medicine to prevent blood clots.
  • gout medicines called probenecid or allopurinol.
  • other antibiotics.

Does amoxicillin dissolve in milk?

Interpretation: We conclude that oral administration of amoxicillin dissolved in human milk at 50 mg/mL results in pharmacokinetics profiles comparable to amoxicillin dissolved in water.

How to make amoxicillin taste better for kids?

White grape juice is great for masking a bitter taste. Having your child “chase” the medicine with something sweet such as a couple of jelly beans or a lollipop can also be helpful. Letting them pick which candy flavors they want is another way to increase control.

Can you mix amoxicillin in breast milk?

“The concentration we used (i.e., 50 mg/mL) is similar to that of a teaspoonful of 250 mg amoxicillin dissolved in human milk, which may be given to a 5 kg infant at a standard dose of 50 mg/kg,” the authors noted.

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.

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