Is it safe to take azithromycin while breastfeeding?

Understanding Azithromycin and Breastfeeding Safety
As new mothers navigate the challenges of breastfeeding, questions about medication safety often arise. One common concern is whether it is safe to take azithromycin, a widely prescribed antibiotic, while nursing.
What the Research Says
Azithromycin is known to pass into breast milk, but the levels are generally low. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database, the amount of azithromycin that enters breast milk is not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. In fact, studies indicate that even when infants are given higher doses of azithromycin for treatment, they do not typically experience negative side effects.
Healthcare professionals often consider azithromycin to be a safe option for breastfeeding mothers. The NHS and other medical sources affirm that if a doctor prescribes azithromycin, it is usually with the understanding that the mother is breastfeeding, and it is deemed appropriate for her condition.
Monitoring for Side Effects
While the risk is low, it is still advisable for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their infants for any potential gastrointestinal disturbances, such as vomiting or diarrhea, which could arise from changes in the infant’s gut flora due to the antibiotic. Conditions like candidiasis (thrush) or diaper rash may also occur, although these are not directly linked to azithromycin.
Professional Guidance is Key
Ultimately, the decision to take azithromycin while breastfeeding should involve a discussion with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s health needs and the infant’s well-being. As one source humorously suggests, while online forums can provide general information, consulting a doctor is the best course of action for specific medical advice.
Conclusion
In summary, azithromycin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal risk to infants. However, as with any medication, it is crucial to stay informed and consult healthcare professionals to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.

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

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.

Which antibiotic is 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.

Can antibiotics mess with my milk supply?

In most cases, antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding parents and their babies. “Antibiotics are one of the most common medications mothers are prescribed, and all pass in some degree into milk,” explains the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP).

Is azithromycin ok to take 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 happens to babies when breastfeeding on antibiotics?

Most antibiotics can produce excessively loose motions in the baby, with the appearance of diarrhoea. Some infants appear more unsettled with tummy aches or colic. These effects are not clinically significant and do not require treatment. The value of continued breastfeeding outweighs the temporary inconvenience.

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.

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.

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.

Which antibiotics should not be taken with milk?

Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese can interfere with certain medications, including antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin.