Does clindamycin pass through breast milk?

Clindamycin and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
Clindamycin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat various bacterial infections, does indeed pass into breast milk. This raises important considerations for nursing mothers who may require this medication.
Transfer into Breast Milk
Research indicates that clindamycin is secreted into human breast milk, with concentrations that can vary based on the method of administration. For instance, one study found that breast milk levels of clindamycin averaged 1.3 mg/L four hours after an oral dose, while peak levels reached 2.65 mg/L following intravenous administration at about 3.5 hours post-dose. This suggests that while clindamycin does enter breast milk, the amounts present are relatively low.
Potential Effects on Infants
The presence of clindamycin in breast milk has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on breastfed infants. The antibiotic can alter the gastrointestinal flora of infants, which may lead to adverse effects such as diarrhea or other gastrointestinal disturbances. However, the consensus among health professionals is that if a nursing mother requires clindamycin, it is generally not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Alternatives may be considered, but clindamycin is often deemed compatible with breastfeeding according to guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Topical Use Considerations
When clindamycin is applied topically, the absorption into the bloodstream—and consequently into breast milk—is minimal. This means that topical formulations are unlikely to pose significant risks to nursing infants. Therefore, for mothers needing treatment for skin infections, topical clindamycin may be a safer option.
Conclusion
In summary, while clindamycin does pass into breast milk, the levels are typically low and not considered harmful for most infants. Nursing mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks of using clindamycin, especially if alternative treatments are available. The overall guidance suggests that breastfeeding can continue safely while a mother is on clindamycin, provided that any potential side effects are monitored.

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.

Why can’t you have dairy with clindamycin?

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking any antibiotic. Avoid antacids and dairy products: Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, as well as dairy products such as milk or yogurt, can decrease the absorption of clindamycin and make it less effective.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can I take a zpack while 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.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking clindamycin?

Clindamycin is available as a tablet and vaginal gel. The tablets have rarely produced antibiotic-associated colitis in breastfed babies (one reported case) and babies exposed should be observed for blood in faeces. Vaginal application is unlikely to produce adverse effects in babies although 30% is absorbed into milk.

Do antibiotics transfer to baby?

Many commonly prescribed antibiotics can be transferred from the parent to infant via milk. Commonly prescribed antibiotics used during lactation are summarized in Table 1.

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.