Is azithromycin okay to take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Azithromycin and Breastfeeding
Azithromycin, commonly known by its brand name Zithromax, is an antibiotic frequently prescribed to treat various bacterial infections. For breastfeeding mothers, the safety of taking azithromycin is a crucial concern, as many medications can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the infant.
Safety Profile of Azithromycin During Lactation
Research indicates that azithromycin does pass into breast milk, but the levels are relatively low. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), the amount of azithromycin that enters breast milk is not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. In fact, studies have shown that infants can tolerate higher doses of azithromycin without significant issues.
Healthcare professionals generally consider azithromycin to be safe for breastfeeding mothers. The NHS advises that if a mother is healthy and her baby is thriving, taking azithromycin while breastfeeding is acceptable. However, it is always recommended that mothers consult with their healthcare providers before starting any medication, including antibiotics.
Monitoring for Side Effects
While the risk is low, it is still prudent for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their infants for any potential side effects. Some possible gastrointestinal effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or candidiasis (thrush), could occur due to changes in the infant’s gut flora. These effects are not common but warrant attention, especially in the first few days after the mother begins the medication.
Conclusion
In summary, azithromycin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal risk to the infant. The low levels of the drug in breast milk and its established safety in infants make it a viable option for treating infections in nursing mothers. Nonetheless, as with any medication, it is essential for mothers to discuss their specific circumstances with their healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

Can a breastfeeding mom take azithromycin?

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.

What are the nursing implications for azithromycin?

Instruct patient not to take azithromycin with food or antacids. May cause drowsiness and dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known. Advise patient to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.

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.

How long after taking antibiotics can I breastfeed?

In most cases, you can safely breastfeed after you have been taking antibiotics for about two weeks and have been told by your doctor that you are no longer infectious.

Which antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding?

The following antibiotics are all safe to take whilst breastfeeding;

• Amoxycillin, Amoxil ®,
• Azithromycin, Zithromax®,
• Cefaclor, Distaclor®,
• Cefuroxime, Zinnat®
• Cephalexin, Cefalexin, Keflex®,
• Cephradine, Velosef®,
• Clarithromycin, Klaricid®,
• Co-amoxiclav, Augmentin®,

Can antibiotics make your milk supply drop?

Occasionally women are given medications that can interfere with their milk supply. A common clinical scenario is a woman who has an overwhelming allergic reaction to something, such as an antibiotic given to her for mastitis.

What medications should be avoided 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.

What does azithromycin do for babies?

In paediatrics, it is predominantly used to treat both upper respiratory tract infections (eg, acute pharyngitis and acute otitis media) and lower respiratory tract infections (community-acquired pneumonia),(10) illnesses for which S pneumoniae is a principal cause of morbidity and mortality.

Can azithromycin affect the baby?

Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to support that azithromycin use by pregnant women causes adverse outcomes in their offspring. Therefore, this agent should only be used during pregnancy when clinically indicated, if the benefits of treatment are expected to outweigh the potential risks.

Who should not take azithromycin?

liver or kidney problems. heart problems, including irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) ever had diarrhoea when you have taken antibiotics before. myasthenia gravis – azithromycin can make the symptoms of this muscle-weakening condition worse.