Is doxycycline safe for breastfeeding mothers?

Doxycycline and Breastfeeding: A Comprehensive Overview
Doxycycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, raises important questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers. As with any medication, understanding its effects on both the mother and the infant is crucial for informed decision-making.
Short-Term Use Considerations
Research indicates that short-term use of doxycycline is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The amount of doxycycline that passes into breast milk is relatively low, and studies suggest that the absorption of the drug by infants is inhibited by the calcium present in breast milk. This means that while some doxycycline does enter the milk, it is unlikely to cause significant harm to a breastfeeding infant when used for brief periods.
The NHS notes that when doxycycline is used for a short duration, it is unlikely to cause side effects in the baby. However, caution is advised, as prolonged use could potentially affect the development of teeth and bones, although this risk primarily arises when infants are directly administered the medication.
Duration of Treatment
Experts recommend that if doxycycline is necessary for a breastfeeding mother, it should be prescribed for the shortest duration possible. Treatment lasting up to three weeks is generally deemed acceptable, but longer courses are not recommended due to the increased risk of adverse effects. This aligns with guidance from various health authorities, which suggest that doxycycline should be selectively prescribed to breastfeeding women, particularly when alternative antibiotics are not available.
Monitoring and Precautions
While the risks associated with short-term doxycycline use are minimal, monitoring the infant for any unusual symptoms is advisable. This is particularly important if the mother is on a longer course of treatment or if there are any concerns about the infant’s health.
In summary, while doxycycline can be used by breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to weigh the benefits against potential risks. Short-term use is generally safe, but prolonged treatment should be approached with caution. As always, mothers should consult their healthcare providers to make the best decision for their health and that of their child.

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 happens if you accidentally take doxycycline with milk?

Dairy products contain calcium, which can interact with doxycycline. When these two substances come into contact, it triggers a chemical reaction that can reduce the amount of doxycycline that’s absorbed by your body. This may make doxycycline less effective.

What is the nursing implication of doxycycline?

During the therapy, you should monitor for signs or symptoms of infection, gastrointestinal upset, or skin changes, including rash. In the case of skin changes, therapy should be ended if any signs of flu occur with it. You, as the nurse, should take the time to teach Mrs.

What medications decrease 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 antibiotics are ok while 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®,

Why shouldn’t doxycycline be used to patients taking milk?

Simultaneous ingestion of milk diminished the peak plasma concentration by 24% and the absorption by 9-53% (mean 30%). It is concluded that, like the other tetracyclines, doxycycline should not be administered together with milk.

When does doxycycline peak in breastmilk?

Drug Levels
On the second day of treatment, milk doxycycline averaged 0.82 mg/L (range 0.37 to 1.24 mg/L) 3 hours after the dose, and 0.46 mg/L (range 0.3 to 0.91 mg/L) 24 hours after the dose.

Why can’t you lay down after taking doxycycline?

It may not dissolve properly when you lay down and can cause pain in your throat. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to also help reduce irritation in your throat.

Can a breastfeeding woman take doxycycline?

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take doxycycline for a short time (less than 3 weeks) while breastfeeding. Doxycycline passes into breast milk in fairly small amounts. However, the calcium in your milk sticks to the doxycycline so the baby cannot absorb very much.

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.