Is penicillin safe for breastfeeding moms?

Understanding the Safety of Penicillin for Breastfeeding Mothers
When it comes to the health of both mother and child, the question of medication safety during breastfeeding is paramount. Penicillin, one of the oldest and most widely used antibiotics, often comes into play when treating infections in nursing mothers. But is it safe?
Penicillin and Breast Milk Transfer
Research indicates that penicillin does pass into breast milk, but the levels are generally low. According to the Specialist Pharmacy Service, all penicillin antibiotics can be used during breastfeeding, provided there is precautionary monitoring of the infant. This means that while penicillin is present in breast milk, it is unlikely to reach concentrations that would adversely affect a breastfeeding infant.
Potential Effects on Infants
Limited information suggests that penicillin V, a common form of penicillin, produces low levels in breast milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, there are occasional reports of gastrointestinal disturbances in infants, such as diarrhea or thrush, which may arise from disruptions in the infant’s gut flora due to antibiotic exposure. These effects, while possible, are not common and typically mild.
Expert Recommendations
Health organizations and experts generally agree that the benefits of treating infections in breastfeeding mothers with penicillin outweigh the potential risks to the infant. The Breastfeeding Network emphasizes that many antibiotics, including penicillin, are safe for breastfeeding mothers and do not necessitate the cessation of breastfeeding. This is particularly important as untreated infections can pose significant health risks to both the mother and the child.
Conclusion
In summary, penicillin is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when used appropriately. The low levels that transfer into breast milk are unlikely to harm the infant, and the potential for mild gastrointestinal disturbances exists but is not a reason to avoid necessary treatment. As always, mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to ensure the best course of action for their health and that of their baby.

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.

Does penicillin affect the baby?

Taking penicillin G is not expected to cause side effects in most infants. Babies who are exposed to penicillins through breast milk might have diarrhea or develop thrush (fungal infection in the mouth).

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.

Which antibiotics are safe when 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®,

Which antibiotics avoid milk?

Do not take the liquid or tablets with dairy products (such as milk, cheese and yoghurt) or drinks with added calcium (such as some dairy-free milks). They stop ciprofloxacin entering the body from the stomach. Leave a gap of at least 2 hours between taking ciprofloxacin and having this type of food and drink.

Does penicillin react with milk?

Similarly, it’s recommended that antibiotics are not taken with fruit juices or dairy products, as they can affect the body’s ability to absorb the medication. Instead, it is recommended that the drug is taken with water only.

Can a breastfeeding mom take penicillin?

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 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.

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.

Which of the following drugs is not safe in lactation?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.