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Is azithromycin safe for lactating mothers?

Understanding Azithromycin and Its Safety for Lactating Mothers
Azithromycin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, has raised questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers. As more women seek to balance their health needs with the well-being of their infants, understanding the implications of medication use during lactation becomes crucial.
Low Levels in Breast Milk
Research indicates that azithromycin passes into breast milk in small amounts. This limited transfer means that the concentration of the drug in breast milk is significantly lower than the doses typically administered to infants for various infections. Consequently, it is generally not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants .
Monitoring for Side Effects
While the risk is low, healthcare providers often recommend monitoring infants for any potential gastrointestinal disturbances, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or candidiasis (thrush or diaper rash). These conditions can arise due to changes in the gastrointestinal flora, which may be influenced by the mother’s medication .
Clinical Recommendations
Organizations like the NHS affirm that azithromycin is considered compatible with breastfeeding. If a mother is in good health and her baby is thriving, taking azithromycin while nursing is typically deemed safe. The drug has been used in higher doses for infants without significant adverse effects, further supporting its safety profile during lactation.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
Despite the reassuring data, it is always advisable for lactating mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any medication, including azithromycin. The decision to use this antibiotic should weigh the benefits of treatment against any potential risks to the infant.
In summary, azithromycin is generally regarded as safe for lactating mothers, with minimal risk to breastfed infants. However, ongoing communication with healthcare professionals is essential to ensure both maternal health and infant safety.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug Comment
Iodine High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral) Potential for serious adverse effects

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®,

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.

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.

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.

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 does azithromycin treat?

Azithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as bronchitis; pneumonia; sexually transmitted diseases (STD); and infections of the ears, lungs, sinuses, skin, throat, and reproductive organs.

What antibiotics are safe during pregnancy and lactation?

Other antibiotics are thought to pose risks during pregnancy. For example, tetracyclines can affect bone growth and cause a baby’s teeth to discolor. Tetracyclines aren’t suggested for use after the fifth week of pregnancy. Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin) might raise the risk of cleft lip if given in the first trimester.

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.

Which patients should not take azithromycin?

Who may not be able to take azithromycin

  • ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or any other medicine.
  • liver or kidney problems.
  • heart problems, including irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
  • ever had diarrhoea when you have taken antibiotics before.
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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