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Is Augmentin safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Augmentin and Breastfeeding Safety
When it comes to the safety of medications during breastfeeding, many mothers understandably seek reassurance about the potential effects on their infants. Augmentin, a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including ear infections and urinary tract infections.
Safety Profile of Augmentin in Nursing Mothers
Research indicates that Augmentin is generally considered safe for use while breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics has classified amoxicillin, one of the components of Augmentin, as compatible with breastfeeding. This classification is based on its pharmacological properties, which include low fat solubility and low protein binding, factors that limit its transfer into breast milk .
Moreover, studies suggest that adverse reactions in breastfed infants are uncommon when nursing mothers take amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. While monitoring for potential side effects such as restlessness, diarrhea, or rash in infants is advisable, significant issues are rare.
Practical Considerations for Nursing Mothers
For mothers who are prescribed Augmentin, it is essential to communicate openly with healthcare providers about any concerns. While the consensus supports the safety of this antibiotic during lactation, individual circumstances can vary. Factors such as the mother’s health condition, the specific infection being treated, and the infant’s health should all be considered.
In practice, many healthcare professionals reassure mothers that taking Augmentin while breastfeeding poses minimal risk to their babies. However, as with any medication, it is prudent for mothers to observe their infants for any unusual symptoms following the initiation of treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, Augmentin is deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers, with a low likelihood of adverse effects on infants. As always, mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to ensure that their treatment plan is appropriate for their specific situation. This proactive approach not only helps in managing the mother’s health but also ensures the well-being of the breastfeeding infant.

Does Augmentin decrease birth control?

Interaction result: Augmentin can make oral birth control less effective. Interaction explained: Augmentin can affect your body’s ability to absorb oral birth control. As a result, your body may not absorb enough of the birth control drug, making it less effective for preventing pregnancy.

What should I avoid while taking Augmentin?

Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections. It can interact with alcohol and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). It can also interact with two gout medications: probenecid and allopurinol (Zyloprim). But it’s unlikely to interact with birth control pills.

Who should avoid Augmentin?

Before using this medication, tell the doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (including liver problems caused by previous use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid), kidney disease, a certain type of viral infection (infectious mononucleosis).

Is Augmentin affected by milk?

Frequently asked questions about dairy product interactions
The manufacturers of cefdinir, cephalexin, and azithromycin (Zithromax) don’t caution against taking these antibiotics with milk. Similarly, the antibiotics amoxicillin (Amoxil) and Augmentin (amoxicillin / potassium clavulanate) can be taken with milk.

What antibiotics are safe while breastfeeding?

All penicillin antibiotics can be used during breastfeeding with precautionary infant monitoring. Flucloxacillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) and the broad-spectrum penicillins, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin, are the preferred choices as there is more evidence and experience to support their use.

Can a lactating mother take Augmentin?

Augmentin and breastfeeding Liirau: Augmentin (amoxicillin + clauvulanic acid) is just fine for a breastfeeding mom. Might cause a little diarrhea in infant but nothing major. We give it to babies all the time for ear infections. Tom Hale PH. D.

How do babies react to antibiotics in breast milk?

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.

How much amoxicillin passes into breast milk?

Drug Levels
[2] Using these data, an exclusively breastfed infant would be expected to receive a maximum daily dosage of about 0.1 mg/kg of amoxicillin with a maternal dose of 500 mg three times daily. This amounts to 0.25 to 0.5% of a typical infant amoxicillin dosage. Infant Levels.

Does Augmentin affect babies?

Although it’s generally considered safe to use during breastfeeding, it may lead to side effects in a child who is breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding your child, talk with your doctor before taking Augmentin. They can determine whether the benefits of Augmentin treatment while breastfeeding outweigh the risks.

Which antibiotics are not used in 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.

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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