Does clindamycin affect breast milk?

Clindamycin and Its Impact on Breast Milk
Clindamycin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat various bacterial infections, raises important questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. As more women navigate the complexities of medication during lactation, understanding how clindamycin interacts with breast milk is crucial.
Transfer to Breast Milk
Research indicates that clindamycin does indeed transfer into breast milk, albeit in relatively low concentrations. Studies show that after administration, breast milk levels of clindamycin can average around 1.3 mg/L four hours post-dose, with peak levels reaching 2.65 mg/L after intravenous administration. This suggests that while the drug is present in breast milk, the amounts are generally considered low.
Potential Effects on Infants
The presence of clindamycin in breast milk raises concerns about its potential effects on breastfed infants. Notably, clindamycin has the potential to disrupt the gastrointestinal flora of infants, which could lead to adverse effects. However, the consensus among health professionals is that the benefits of continuing breastfeeding often outweigh the risks associated with clindamycin exposure. The American Academy of Pediatrics has classified clindamycin as compatible with breastfeeding, indicating that it is generally safe for nursing mothers to continue breastfeeding while on this medication.
Alternatives and Recommendations
While clindamycin can be used during breastfeeding, healthcare providers may consider alternative antibiotics if possible, especially for mothers of very young infants or those with specific health concerns. The decision to use clindamycin should always involve a discussion between the mother and her healthcare provider, weighing the necessity of the antibiotic against any potential risks to the infant.
In summary, while clindamycin does enter breast milk and can affect an infant’s gastrointestinal flora, it is typically deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers. Ongoing communication with healthcare providers is essential to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child during treatment.

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.

What are nursing considerations for clindamycin?

Clindamycin has been reported to appear in breast milk in the range of 0.7 to 3.8 mcg/mL. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, clindamycin should not be taken by nursing mothers.

Can a mother pass bacterial infection through breast milk?

In most maternal viral infections, breast milk is not an important mode of transmission, and continuation of breastfeeding is in the best interest of the infant and mother (see Tables 2 and 3). Maternal bacterial infections rarely are complicated by transmission of infection to their infants through breast milk.

Which antibiotics should not be taken with milk?

Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese can interfere with certain medications, including antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin.

Can a Z pack decrease milk supply?

Pseudoephedrine: Look out for this ingredient in your cold medicine. It can cause a drop in milk production. Zithromax: Also known as azithromycin, this antibiotic is generally considered safe to take while breastfeeding.

Is clindamycin safe to take while breastfeeding?

Clindamycin is a very safe med to use in breastfeeding. Less than 2% of what you take ends up in the milk. This is far less than what is prescribed directly to babies for their own infections. Keep an eye out for changes in your baby’s bowel habits or any new rashes, but otherwise you should be fine.

Does clindamycin affect babies?

Infants with the highest total clindamycin exposure had marginally increased odds of NEC within 7 days (adjusted odds ratio=1.95 [1.04–3.63]), but exposure was not associated with death, sepsis, seizures, intestinal perforation, or intestinal strictures.

Will my baby get antibiotics through 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.

Why can’t you lay down after taking clindamycin?

Official answer. You should avoid lying down after taking the antibiotic clindamycin because it may slow the time it takes for the medication to move down your esophagus into your stomach, potentially causing irritation your esophagus.

What are the side effects of clindamycin in infants?

However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away: Diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up. Bad taste in your child’s mouth.