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Is it safe to take Zpack while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Z-Pack While Breastfeeding
As new mothers navigate the challenges of breastfeeding, the question of medication safety often arises, particularly when it comes to antibiotics like Z-Pack, which contains azithromycin. This antibiotic is commonly prescribed for various infections, including respiratory and skin infections. However, concerns about its effects on breastfeeding infants are valid and warrant careful consideration.
Azithromycin and Breast Milk
Research indicates that azithromycin is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations. According to the LactMed database, the levels of azithromycin found in breast milk are generally not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. In fact, studies have shown that even when infants are exposed to azithromycin through breast milk, they are unlikely to experience significant side effects.
Recommendations from Health Experts
Health professionals often emphasize the importance of weighing the benefits of treating an infection against any potential risks to the infant. The Mayo Clinic advises that the decision to use azithromycin should be made collaboratively between the mother and her healthcare provider, taking into account the specific circumstances of the mother’s health and the necessity of the medication.
Moreover, the NHS provides reassurance that azithromycin does not typically lead to serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers, reinforcing the idea that it can be used safely when prescribed by a doctor.
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. These effects, while possible, are generally mild and manageable.
Conclusion
In summary, taking Z-Pack while breastfeeding is generally considered safe, provided that it is prescribed by a healthcare professional who has evaluated the mother’s health needs. The low levels of azithromycin in breast milk and the lack of serious side effects reported in infants support its use during breastfeeding. However, as with any medication, ongoing communication with healthcare providers is essential to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

Who should not take a Z pack?

ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or any other medicine. liver or kidney problems. heart problems, including irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) ever had diarrhoea when you have taken antibiotics before.

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.

Can antibiotics make your milk supply drop?

Occasionally women are given medications that can interfere with their milk supply. A common clinical scenario is a woman who has an overwhelming allergic reaction to something, such as an antibiotic given to her for mastitis.

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®,

Can I take a Z pack 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 drugs can pass through a mother’s breast milk and harm a nursing baby?

Drugs

  • If you use amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine or heroin, you should not breastfeed for 24 hours after use.
  • If you smoke cannabis or tobacco you should breastfeed your baby before you smoke, and smoke outside and away from the baby. Do not have your baby in the same room as the smoke.

What can I take for a sore throat while breastfeeding?

Sore throat
Throat lozenges containing local anaesthetic, antibacterial agents or benzydamine may be used while breastfeeding. Avoid excessive use as it may cause unwanted side effects such as diarrhoea. Gargling salt water or drinking lemon and honey products may also help to ease a sore throat.

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

Why is azithromycin no longer recommended?

However, in recent years, the cardiac safety of azithromycin has been questioned, primarily because of increasing concerns regarding the potential for QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, and cardiovascular death.

Is azithromycin affected by milk?

Frequently asked questions about dairy product interactions
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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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