Is it safe to take doxycycline while breastfeeding?

Is It Safe to Take Doxycycline While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether doxycycline is safe for breastfeeding mothers is a nuanced one, with various factors to consider. Doxycycline, a member of the tetracycline class of antibiotics, is often prescribed for a range of infections. However, its use during lactation raises concerns primarily due to its potential effects on infants.
Short-Term Use Generally Considered Safe
According to health authorities, short-term use of doxycycline while breastfeeding is unlikely to cause significant side effects in infants. The amount of the drug that passes into breast milk is minimal, and studies suggest that the absorption of doxycycline by infants is inhibited by the calcium present in breast milk. This means that even if small amounts of the medication are transferred to the baby, they are unlikely to be absorbed in harmful quantities.
Potential Risks with Prolonged Use
While short-term use is generally deemed safe, prolonged use of doxycycline can pose risks. There is a small chance that extended exposure could affect the development of teeth and bones in infants, although this risk is primarily associated with direct administration of the drug to babies rather than through breast milk. Therefore, healthcare providers often recommend that if doxycycline is necessary, it should be prescribed for the shortest duration possible.
Caution Advised
Despite the reassurances regarding short-term use, caution is still advised. Some medical guidelines suggest that doxycycline should only be prescribed to breastfeeding mothers when alternative antibiotics are not available. This selective approach is due to the lack of extensive research on the long-term effects of doxycycline on breastfeeding infants. Monitoring of the infant during the mother’s treatment is also recommended to ensure there are no adverse effects.
Conclusion
In summary, while short-term use of doxycycline during breastfeeding is generally considered safe, it is essential for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers. The decision should weigh the necessity of the antibiotic against potential risks, particularly if longer treatment is required. As always, individualized medical advice is crucial, ensuring both the mother’s health and the safety of her breastfeeding infant are prioritized.

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.

Why do you have to wait 30 minutes after taking doxycycline?

To prevent getting the medication stuck in the esophagus, it’s important to wait 30 minutes after taking doxycycline before lying down. If the capsule dissolves in the esophagus, it can cause irritation and chest pain.

Which antibiotics are safe for 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®,

What happens if you accidentally take doxycycline with milk?

Milk, and anything with calcium or iron, will slightly decrease absorption, but not enough to affect your treatment significantly.

When should doxycycline be avoided?

Doxycycline is not safe to take during pregnancy. Doxycycline should be avoided during chest/breastfeeding because of the unknown exposure effects to infants. Consult your healthcare provider. you have myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disorder), please consult with your healthcare provider before taking doxycycline.

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 happens to babies when breastfeeding on antibiotics?

This may be because antibiotics may deplete the “good” bacteria in your baby’s gut. Keep in mind that this effect is usually short lived, not harmful, and not a given. Also, keep in mind that breast milk is great for your baby’s gut health, so it’s important to continue breastfeeding.

Does doxycycline affect breastfeeding?

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.

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.

Is doxycycline a very strong antibiotic?

Extensive clinical investigation has shown doxycycline to be highly effective in infections of the respiratory tract, including atypical pneumonias; skin and soft tissue; genitourinary infection including gonorrhea, syphilis, nonspecific urethritis, and prostatitis; intraabdominal infection due to trauma, sepsis, or …