Is Keflex safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Keflex and Breastfeeding Safety
Keflex, known generically as cephalexin, is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. For breastfeeding mothers, concerns about the safety of medications for their infants are paramount. Fortunately, current research and expert opinions suggest that Keflex is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding.
Transfer to Breast Milk
Studies indicate that cephalexin transfers into breast milk in low concentrations, typically ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% of the maternal dose. This minimal transfer means that the levels of the drug in breast milk are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. The short half-life of cephalexin, approximately 1.5 hours, further supports its safety profile. If a mother takes the medication right after breastfeeding, by the time the next feeding occurs, much of the drug will have cleared from her system.
Potential Effects on Infants
While the risk of significant side effects in infants is low, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Some reports suggest that there could be a very small risk of gastrointestinal disturbances in infants, such as disruption of their normal gut flora. However, these occurrences are rare, and most infants tolerate the medication well.
Professional Recommendations
Health professionals generally agree that Keflex is safe for breastfeeding mothers. Organizations like the Breastfeeding Network and various medical literature emphasize that the benefits of treating infections with cephalexin often outweigh the minimal risks associated with its use during lactation. However, as with any medication, it is crucial for mothers to monitor their infants for any unusual reactions, such as rashes or gastrointestinal issues, and to consult with their healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Conclusion
In summary, Keflex is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, with low levels of the drug present in breast milk and a low likelihood of adverse effects on infants. Mothers should always consult their healthcare providers when starting any new medication to ensure it aligns with their specific health needs and circumstances.

Why can’t you lie down after taking cephalexin?

Can I lie down after taking cephalexin? After taking the antibiotic, you should avoid lying down since it may increase the time it takes for the medication to pass through your oesophagus and into your stomach, potentially irritating your oesophagus.

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.

How much cephalexin gets into breast milk?

Drug Levels
Milk cephalexin levels ranged from about 0.4 to 1 mg/L over the milk collection period with little correlation to the times of the doses. The authors calculated that an exclusively breastfed infant would receive 112 mcg/kg daily which is much less than the recommended infant dosage of 25 to 100 mg/kg daily.

What are the side effects of Keflex for babies?

Some children get diarrhoea, stomach pains and may feel sick or be sick (vomit) when they first start taking Cefalexin. See the information on antibiotics below for advice on what to do. Contact your doctor if your child has diarrhoea that goes on for more than 4 days or if it is severe and watery, or contains blood.

Can a UTI affect my breastfeeding baby?

Continue to breastfeed your baby even if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. 10 It is important that you drink plenty of fluid, use good hygiene methods and treat symptoms as for pregnancy.

What antibiotics are ok while 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®,

Why do I feel weird after taking cephalexin?

Cephalexin (Keflex) is an antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. The most common cephalexin side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Headache, fatigue, and vaginal yeast infections can also happen.

Can you breastfeed while taking Keflex?

It’s OK for you to take cefalexin while breastfeeding. Only tiny amounts of cefalexin get into breast milk, so it does not normally cause any side effects in your baby.

Who should not use Keflex?

ever had an allergic reaction to cefalexin or any other medicine. kidney problems. ever had a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering or mouth sores after taking antibiotics. had severe or bloody diarrhoea when you’ve taken antibiotics before.

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.