Is nitrofurantoin safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Nitrofurantoin and Breastfeeding Safety
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs). For breastfeeding mothers, the safety of this medication is a crucial concern, particularly regarding its effects on infants.
General Safety Profile
Research indicates that nitrofurantoin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The amount of the drug that transfers into breast milk is relatively low, with studies suggesting that the relative infant dose is about 6% of the maternal dose, which is well below the threshold that would typically raise concerns for infant safety . This means that, for most healthy, full-term infants, the exposure to nitrofurantoin through breast milk is minimal and unlikely to cause harm.
Specific Considerations for Newborns
However, caution is advised for certain populations. The NHS guidelines recommend that nitrofurantoin should not be used in breastfeeding mothers with infants 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 potential risk of hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made.
Moreover, the risk of hemolysis is particularly heightened in newborns, especially within the first few weeks of life. The time of greatest risk for hemolysis in full-term newborns without G6PD deficiency can be as short as 8 days after birth. Therefore, while nitrofurantoin can be used safely in older infants, healthcare providers often recommend alternative antibiotics for mothers of very young infants.
Recommendations for Use
For breastfeeding mothers with older infants, nitrofurantoin can be a suitable option for treating UTIs. The consensus among healthcare professionals is that the benefits of treating an infection with nitrofurantoin generally outweigh the risks associated with its use during breastfeeding, provided the infant is healthy and not in the high-risk categories mentioned.
In summary, while nitrofurantoin is largely safe for breastfeeding mothers and their older infants, it is essential for healthcare providers to assess each case individually, particularly for mothers with newborns under one month or those with specific health conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication while breastfeeding to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

Can you breastfeed while taking nitrofurantoin BNF?

Breast feeding For nitrofurantoin
Avoid; only small amounts in milk but enough to produce haemolysis in G6PD-deficient infants.

What can I take at home for UTI while breastfeeding?

Home Remedies for UTIs

1. Drinking Plenty of Water. Drinking plenty of water increases urine production.
2. Cranberry Juice. Cranberry is not a new remedy in the realm of medicine.
3. Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps manage UTIs in two main ways.
4. Probiotics.
5. Baking Soda.
6. Avoiding Irritants.
7. Applying Heat.
8. Emptying the Bladder Regularly.

Can a breastfeeding mother take nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin and 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 antibiotics are safe for UTI while 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.

Can UTI antibiotics harm baby?

Antibiotics are standard treatment for asymptomatic and symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnancy. Their overuse, however, can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and expose the foetus to drugs that might affect its development.

When should nitrofurantoin be avoided?

Who may not be able to take nitrofurantoin

1. ever had an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin or any other medicine.
2. porphyria, a rare blood disorder.
3. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a rare condition that affects your red blood cells.
4. severe kidney disease.
5. diabetes.
6. a lung condition.

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.

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 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 used for UTI in nursing?

Infection management: The most common antibiotics used for UTIs are nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), cephalexin (Keflex), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim). These are usually given to clients who can receive outclient management.