Is Macrobid safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Macrobid While Breastfeeding
When it comes to the safety of medications during breastfeeding, many mothers understandably have concerns about the potential effects on their infants. Macrobid, a common antibiotic whose active ingredient is nitrofurantoin, is often prescribed for urinary tract infections. However, its compatibility with breastfeeding is a topic that warrants careful consideration.
Key Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
General Safety Profile: Nitrofurantoin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when the infant is older than one month. Studies indicate that the amount of nitrofurantoin that passes into breast milk is relatively low, with estimates suggesting that the relative infant dose is about 6% of the maternal dose per day. This low transfer rate implies that the risk to breastfeeding infants is minimal, making it compatible with breastfeeding for older infants.
Precautions for Newborns: However, caution is advised for mothers with infants under one month old. The product label for nitrofurantoin explicitly recommends against its use in breastfeeding mothers with newborns who are less than one month old or in cases where the infant has a diagnosis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This is due to the risk of hemolytic anemia, a condition that can lead to the breakdown of red blood cells.
Potential Side Effects
While the risk of serious side effects from nitrofurantoin in breastfeeding infants is low, some mothers report that their babies may experience mild gastrointestinal disturbances, such as stomach upset. This is not unique to nitrofurantoin, as antibiotics can disrupt the balance of intestinal flora, potentially leading to similar issues with any antibiotic.
Recommendations from Health Authorities
Health organizations, including the NHS, provide guidance that supports the use of nitrofurantoin in breastfeeding mothers, particularly for those with older infants. The consensus is that while nitrofurantoin is generally safe, healthcare providers should evaluate each case individually, especially for mothers with newborns or those with specific health concerns.
Conclusion
In summary, Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, particularly for those with infants older than one month. However, mothers should consult their healthcare providers to discuss their specific circumstances, especially if their infant is younger or has health conditions that may complicate the use of this medication. As always, the health and safety of both mother and child should be the primary concern when making decisions about medication during breastfeeding.

Can antibiotics drop your milk supply?

The use of most antibiotics is considered compatible with breast feeding. Penicillins, aminopenicillins, clavulanic acid, cephalosporins, macrolides and metronidazole at dosages at the low end of the recommended dosage range are considered appropriate for use for lactating women.

What if I have a UTI while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding when you have a urinary tract infection
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. 10 Antibiotics are used to treat urinary tract infections.

Can I take Macrobid while breastfeeding?

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take nitrofurantoin while breastfeeding. Nitrofurantoin passes into breast milk in small amounts and is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. But it’s best to take nitrofurantoin only for a short time.

What antibiotic for UTI is safe for breastfeeding?

These typically are trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or ofloxacin. The above antibiotics (including fluoroquinolones) for UTI are considered safe by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for nursing infants, with no reported effects seen in infants who are breastfeeding.

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.

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.

What antibiotics can a breastfeeding mother take for an infection?

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.

What medication is used for UTI in nursing?

Treatment

• Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Bactrim DS)
• Fosfomycin (Monurol)
• Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid, Furadantin)
• Cephalexin.
• Ceftriaxone.

Is nitrofurantoin affected by milk?

Nitrofurantoin is best taken with food or milk. This may lessen stomach upset and help your body to absorb the medicine. Shake the oral liquid forcefully before each dose to make sure the medicine is evenly mixed. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately.

Is Macrobid safe during pregnancy?

Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
But there’s mixed data on how safe it is to use during the first trimester. In general, this antibiotic should be avoided during early pregnancy — unless it’s the only option. But you can safely take nitrofurantoin during your second trimester and most of your third trimester.