How does clindamycin affect breast milk?

Understanding Clindamycin and Its Effects on Breast Milk
Clindamycin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat various bacterial infections, has raised questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. As more women seek to balance their health needs with the demands of nursing, understanding how clindamycin interacts with breast milk is crucial.
Transfer into Breast Milk
Research indicates that clindamycin does indeed transfer into human breast milk. The concentration of the drug in breast milk correlates with the plasma concentration in the mother, meaning that as the mother’s blood levels of clindamycin rise, so do the levels in her milk. This transfer is significant enough to warrant attention, especially for nursing infants who may be affected by the drug’s presence.
Potential Effects on Infants
While clindamycin is considered compatible with breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is not without potential risks. The antibiotic can alter the gastrointestinal flora of breastfed infants, which may lead to adverse effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and even diaper rash. These gastrointestinal disturbances are particularly concerning as they can affect an infant’s overall health and comfort.
Dosage Considerations
The dosage of clindamycin plays a critical role in its impact on breastfeeding. In the United States, a single high dose of 2 grams may lead to recommendations for temporarily interrupting breastfeeding. Conversely, in the UK, lower doses of 200-400 milligrams taken three times a day are often deemed safe enough to allow continued breastfeeding. This discrepancy highlights the importance of individualized medical advice based on specific circumstances and dosages.
Alternatives and Recommendations
For nursing mothers requiring antibiotic treatment, healthcare providers may consider alternative medications that pose less risk to breastfeeding infants. While clindamycin is effective for certain infections, the potential for gastrointestinal side effects in infants may lead some practitioners to prefer other antibiotics when possible.
In summary, while clindamycin can be used by breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the potential risks to the infant. Close monitoring of the infant for any adverse effects is advisable, and mothers should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for their health and that of their child.

What medications decrease breast 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 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.

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.

Can I breastfeed while on clindamycin?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Clindamycin has the potential to cause adverse effects on the breastfed infant’s gastrointestinal flora. If oral or intravenous clindamycin is required by a nursing mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding, but an alternate drug may be preferred.

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.

What causes drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

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.

What causes breast milk to dry up?

Possible causes of low supply
Nearly all babies need to feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby does not feed effectively at the breast. You have started using formula milk as well as breastfeeding. You have had breast surgery that is affecting your milk supply.

What medicine to avoid 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.

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.