Is it OK to breastfeed while taking amoxicillin?

Understanding Amoxicillin and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the dilemma of needing medication while ensuring the safety of their infants. One common antibiotic, amoxicillin, raises questions about its compatibility with breastfeeding. Fortunately, the consensus among healthcare professionals is reassuring.
Safety Profile of Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that this antibiotic produces only low levels in breast milk, which are not expected to cause adverse effects in infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics has classified amoxicillin as a medication that can be safely used during breastfeeding.
While some side effects have been reported, such as drowsiness and diarrhea in breastfed infants, these occurrences are infrequent and typically resolve without medical intervention. Additionally, there are rare instances of infants experiencing a rash or gastrointestinal disturbances, but these effects are generally mild and transient.
Mechanism of Transfer
The characteristics of amoxicillin contribute to its safety profile. Its low fat solubility, low protein binding, and acidic pH limit its transfer into breast milk, ensuring that only minimal amounts reach the nursing infant. This means that the benefits of treating the mother’s infection with amoxicillin often outweigh any potential risks to the baby.
Practical Considerations
For mothers prescribed amoxicillin, it is crucial to monitor their infants for any unusual symptoms, such as changes in behavior or gastrointestinal issues. However, the likelihood of significant adverse effects is low. Health professionals typically advise that there is no need to cease breastfeeding while taking this antibiotic.
In summary, breastfeeding while taking amoxicillin is not only permissible but also considered safe. Mothers can feel confident in continuing to breastfeed while managing their health needs with this antibiotic.

Can amoxicillin affect a newborn?

There can be side effects to any medication. However, short and long term side effects of amoxicillin and gentamicin are very rare in newborns, which is one of the reasons why these antibiotics are commonly used. It is important to report any concerns to the midwife, nurse or paediatric doctor.

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.

Is amoxicillin affected by milk?

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.

Can amoxicillin affect a baby while pregnant?

Is it safe to use amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or penicillin V in pregnancy? Numerous studies of use of these antibiotics in pregnancy have found no evidence of risk to the developing baby. Treatment of bacterial infections during pregnancy may be crucial to the health of both mother and baby.

How long does amoxicillin stay in your system?

Amoxicillin typically stays in your system for 8 to 12 hours after your most recent dose. It’s possible to continue experiencing some effects of amoxicillin after you stop taking the drug, especially during this 8-hour to 12-hour period.

What are the side effects of giving a baby amoxicillin?

Beyond the temporary soreness following a vaginal or cesarean delivery, there are other side effects to be aware of after childbirth: Contractions – You might feel menstrual cramp-like contractions in the early days after delivery, particularly if you’re breastfeeding.

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 the side effects of amoxicillin in infants?

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Can antibiotics make breastfed baby sick?

Exposure to antimicrobials can affect the infant’s natural balance of microflora. In rare cases, antibiotic exposure has disturbed this balance and caused gastrointestinal disturbances or candidiasis. These effects are generally mild and resolve upon treatment discontinuation.

Does amoxicillin affect breast milk?

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid enter the breast milk in small amounts. These small amounts are not expected to cause side effects for most nursing infants. In a study of 67 breastfeeding infants, there were no serious side effects from this medication in the breast milk.