Is clindamycin safe for breastfeeding mothers?

Clindamycin and Breastfeeding: Safety Considerations
Clindamycin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat various bacterial infections, raises important questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers. As many new mothers face health challenges during the postpartum period, understanding the implications of medication use while nursing is crucial.
Transfer to Breast Milk
Research indicates that clindamycin does transfer into breast milk, albeit in small amounts. When administered orally or intravenously, the concentration of clindamycin in breast milk is relatively low, with estimates suggesting that less than 2% of the maternal dose appears in breast milk. This minimal transfer is significantly lower than the dosages typically prescribed for infants, which raises some reassurance for nursing mothers.
Potential Effects on Infants
Despite the low levels of clindamycin in breast milk, there are potential gastrointestinal side effects to consider for breastfed infants. Some studies have noted that infants may experience gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and diaper rash. Additionally, there is a concern that clindamycin could disrupt the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, potentially leading to issues like thrush.
Guidance from Health Professionals
Health professionals generally advise that the use of clindamycin by breastfeeding mothers does not necessitate the discontinuation of breastfeeding. However, they may recommend monitoring the infant for any adverse reactions, particularly changes in bowel habits or the emergence of rashes. In some cases, healthcare providers might suggest alternative antibiotics that are considered safer during breastfeeding, depending on the specific circumstances and the mother’s health needs.
Conclusion
In summary, clindamycin can be used by breastfeeding mothers with caution. The low levels that transfer into breast milk and the absence of a strong contraindication suggest that it is relatively safe. However, as with any medication, it is essential for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits against any potential risks, ensuring both their health and that of their breastfeeding infant are prioritized.

Can clindamycin cause miscarriage?

Clindamycin that was administered at <22 weeks of gestation was associated with a significantly reduced risk of preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation and late miscarriage.

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.

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.

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.

What are nursing considerations for clindamycin?

Clindamycin has been reported to appear in breast milk in the range of 0.7 to 3.8 mcg/mL. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, clindamycin should not be taken by nursing mothers.

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.

Who should not take clindamycin?

People with a history of pseudomembranous or ulcerative colitis should not take clindamycin. These two conditions cause severe inflammation of the lining of the intestine. The side effects of taking clindamycin can worsen these two conditions.

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.

How does clindamycin affect breast milk?

Clindamycin is a very safe med to use in breastfeeding. Less than 2% of what you take ends up in the milk. This is far less than what is prescribed directly to babies for their own infections. Keep an eye out for changes in your baby’s bowel habits or any new rashes, but otherwise you should be fine.

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.