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Does amoxicillin stop breast milk?

Understanding Amoxicillin and Breastfeeding
Amoxicillin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, raises important questions for breastfeeding mothers concerned about the safety of their infants. One of the primary concerns is whether this medication affects breast milk production or its composition.
Does Amoxicillin Affect Milk Production?
The consensus among health professionals is that amoxicillin does not hinder milk production. Research indicates that the drug passes into breast milk in very low concentrations, which are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics has classified amoxicillin as safe for breastfeeding mothers, reinforcing the notion that it can be used without significant concern for the nursing infant.
Potential Side Effects for Infants
While amoxicillin is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. Limited information suggests that although the levels of amoxicillin in breast milk are low, there have been occasional reports of infants experiencing rashes or gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea or thrush . These effects are relatively rare and are often linked to the disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora rather than a direct consequence of the medication itself.
Conclusion
In summary, amoxicillin is safe for breastfeeding mothers and does not stop breast milk production. The low levels of the antibiotic that transfer into breast milk are unlikely to harm infants, although some minor side effects may occur in rare cases. Mothers prescribed amoxicillin can feel reassured about continuing to breastfeed while undergoing treatment, but they should always consult with their healthcare provider regarding any concerns or symptoms in their infants.

What medications drop milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

What happens to babies when breastfeeding on antibiotics?

Most antibiotics can produce excessively loose motions in the baby, with the appearance of diarrhoea. Some infants appear more unsettled with tummy aches or colic. These effects are not clinically significant and do not require treatment. The value of continued breastfeeding outweighs the temporary inconvenience.

What are the side effects of amoxicillin in infants?

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What medication is used to stop breastfeeding?

Using medication to stop your breast milk
Taking drugs such as Cabergoline or Dostinex® to stop breast milk works best for mothers who have not been breastfeeding for long. Talk to your doctor, midwife or nurse if you would like more information about these drugs.

Can I mix amoxicillin with breast milk for baby?

Amoxicillin can be reconstituted with breast milk for use in infants.

What will stop my milk supply?

Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body is making.

  • 7 ways to dry your breast milk supply quickly.
  • Cold turkey.
  • Herbs.
  • Cabbage.
  • Birth control.
  • Sudafed.
  • Vitamin B.
  • Other drugs.

What antibiotics are not safe while 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.

When do antibiotics peak in breast milk?

Aim to avoid breast feeding when milk drug concentrations are at their peak. In general, this occurs 1-2 hours following oral medication. As a general principle, advising the administration of medication immediately following a breast feed is the safest option for the baby but this is not true for all drugs.

How long does amoxicillin stay in your breast milk?

Amoxicillin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
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.

Will amoxicillin affect my breastmilk supply?

However, the Mayo Clinic lists several antibiotics that are generally considered safe for breastfeeding women, including: penicillins, including amoxicillin and ampicillin.

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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