Page Content
- Are antivirals safe to take while breastfeeding?
- Who cannot take acyclovir?
- How long does acyclovir stay in your breast milk?
- When should I avoid acyclovir?
- Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?
- What are the nursing considerations for acyclovir?
- Can a breastfeeding mother take acyclovir?
- What are the effects of acyclovir on a baby?
- What should you not mix with acyclovir?
- What are the side effects of acyclovir nursing?
Understanding Acyclovir Use During Breastfeeding
Acyclovir, an antiviral medication commonly used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses, raises important questions for nursing mothers regarding its safety during breastfeeding. As many new mothers navigate the complexities of medication use while caring for their infants, understanding the implications of acyclovir is crucial.
Safety Profile of Acyclovir in Breastfeeding
Research indicates that acyclovir is generally considered safe for use while breastfeeding. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), even at the highest maternal dosages, the amount of acyclovir that passes into breast milk is minimal—approximately 1% of a typical infant dosage. This low transfer rate suggests that it is unlikely to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Moreover, studies have shown that both oral and topical forms of acyclovir do not pose significant risks. For instance, topical acyclovir, when applied to small areas of the body away from the breast, is deemed safe and should not affect breastfeeding.
Clinical Insights and Recommendations
Healthcare professionals often emphasize the importance of weighing the benefits of treating viral infections against any potential risks to the infant. Acyclovir is classified as a FDA Pregnancy Category B drug, indicating that it has not been shown to cause harm in humans, which extends to its use during breastfeeding.
The NHS also supports this view, stating that no special precautions are necessary when using acyclovir while nursing. This reassurance is particularly important for mothers who may be dealing with conditions like herpes simplex virus, where timely treatment is essential for their health and well-being.
Conclusion
In summary, acyclovir is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal transfer to breast milk and no significant adverse effects reported in infants. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to discuss their specific circumstances and ensure that any treatment plan is tailored to their needs. This collaborative approach helps ensure both maternal health and infant safety during the breastfeeding period.
Recommendations. Aciclovir is the preferred antiviral for treating herpes simplex and varicella zoster as there are only very small amounts present in breast milk. Valaciclovir is also an acceptable alternative, since it is converted to aciclovir before passing into breast milk.
Who cannot take acyclovir?
have ever had an allergic reaction to aciclovir or any other medicine. have kidney problems. are over 65 years old. are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
How long does acyclovir stay in your breast milk?
Drug Levels and Effects
A woman who was 6 weeks postpartum received intravenous acyclovir 300 mg (5 mg/kg) three times daily for 5 days. Milk samples were taken every 6 hours after the last dose. The peak level was 7.3 mg/L and the drug was detectable in milk for up to 88 hours after the last dose.
When should I avoid acyclovir?
Rarely, acyclovir may affect your kidneys or cause a bleeding disorder. May not be suitable for some people, including those with kidney problems, who are immunosuppressed, taking certain medications, or those who are dehydrated. In people with kidney disease, a dosage reduction is recommended.
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 |
What are the nursing considerations for acyclovir?
Acyclovir may affect the renal tubules and cause increased BUN and creatinine levels indicating nephrotoxicity. Slowly infusing the medication over one hour and ensuring adequate hydration may minimize kidney damage. The herpes simplex virus is spread through kissing, skin-to-skin contact and intercourse.
Can a breastfeeding mother take acyclovir?
Aciclovir and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it’s OK to take aciclovir tablets or liquid while breastfeeding. Aciclovir from the tablets or liquid passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and it is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.
What are the effects of acyclovir on a baby?
Common acyclovir side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually disappear as your child’s body adjusts to the medication. Other common side effects include loss of appetite and headache.
What should you not mix with acyclovir?
Cautions with other medicines
- cimetidine, a medicine for stomach ulcers.
- mycophenolate mofetil, a medicine given after organ transplants.
- probenecid, a medicine for gout.
- aminophylline or theophylline, medicines for asthma.
What are the side effects of acyclovir nursing?
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
GI: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, elevated liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia, abdominal pain, anorexia. GU: RENAL FAILURE, crystalluria, hematuria, renal pain. Derm: acne, hives, skin rashes, unusual sweating, STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME.
