Can you take metronidazole when breastfeeding?

Can You Take Metronidazole While Breastfeeding?
Metronidazole, an antibiotic commonly used to treat various infections, raises important considerations for breastfeeding mothers. The decision to use this medication while nursing involves weighing the benefits for the mother against potential risks to the infant.
Safety of Metronidazole in Breastfeeding
Research indicates that topical and vaginal forms of metronidazole are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. When applied topically or used as a vaginal gel, the amount that enters breast milk is minimal. Specifically, studies show that after vaginal administration, plasma levels of the drug are less than 2% of those following a standard oral dose, while topical applications yield blood levels around 1% of the peak plasma levels from an oral dose . This suggests that these forms of the medication are unlikely to pose significant risks to a breastfeeding infant.
However, the situation differs with oral metronidazole. Some product labels recommend that breastfeeding should be paused during treatment and for at least two days after the last dose. This precaution stems from the fact that oral doses can lead to higher concentrations in breast milk, which may expose the infant to the drug. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that if a breastfeeding mother requires oral metronidazole, she should refrain from breastfeeding for 24 hours after taking the medication, using formula as a substitute during this period.
Monitoring and Consultation
For mothers who need to take metronidazole for conditions such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, it is crucial to consult healthcare providers. They can help assess the necessity of the medication and discuss the best treatment options. In some cases, the benefits of treating the mother may outweigh the potential risks to the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, while topical and vaginal forms of metronidazole are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, caution is advised with oral administration. Mothers should consult their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their treatment while ensuring the safety of their breastfeeding infants. Monitoring the infant for any adverse effects during and after treatment is also recommended to ensure their well-being.

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.

Can I pass BV to my baby?

There is no indication that BV affects a woman’s ability to get pregnant. However, BV is associated with certain risks to the fetus, including delivering an infant preterm (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and delivering an infant with a low birth weight (generally, 5.5 pounds or less).

What antibiotics are ok while 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®,

How long does it take for BV to go away after metronidazole?

With treatment, bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 5 to 7 days. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems.

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.

Is metronidazole ok to take while 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 medications should be avoided while 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 for babies?

Metronidazole has widespread use in the pediatric population, but population-specific safety data are sparse. In particular, concerns have arisen that other antibiotics with anaerobic coverage, such as clindamycin, may increase the risk of intestinal strictures, but this relationship has not been proven in infants.

What antibiotics are safe during pregnancy and lactation?

Other antibiotics are thought to pose risks during pregnancy. For example, tetracyclines can affect bone growth and cause a baby’s teeth to discolor. Tetracyclines aren’t suggested for use after the fifth week of pregnancy. Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin) might raise the risk of cleft lip if given in the first trimester.