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What anti parasite medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Safe Anti-Parasitic Medications During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing health issues while ensuring the safety of their infants. One common concern is the use of anti-parasitic medications, especially when dealing with infections that could affect both the mother and child. Fortunately, there are several options that are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Key Considerations for Medication Safety
When evaluating the safety of medications during breastfeeding, it is crucial to consider factors such as the drug’s pharmacokinetics, potential side effects, and the infant’s age and health status. Most medications, including many anti-parasitic drugs, are compatible with breastfeeding, but specific recommendations can vary based on the medication in question.
Safe Anti-Parasitic Options
1. Metronidazole: This medication is often prescribed for infections caused by parasites such as Giardia and Trichomonas. Studies indicate that metronidazole is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, as only a small amount passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers take the medication after breastfeeding to minimize any potential exposure to the infant.
2. Albendazole: Used to treat a variety of parasitic infections, albendazole is also considered safe during breastfeeding. While limited data exists, the consensus among healthcare professionals is that the benefits of treating the mother outweigh the risks to the breastfeeding infant.
3. Praziquantel: This drug is effective against schistosomiasis and other trematode infections. It is deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal transfer to breast milk. As with other medications, timing the dose after breastfeeding can further reduce any risk to the infant.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
It is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any medication, including anti-parasitics. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s health status, the specific parasitic infection being treated, and the infant’s needs. This ensures that both the mother and child remain healthy and safe during treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding mothers may need to take anti-parasitic medications, options like metronidazole, albendazole, and praziquantel are generally considered safe. The key is to work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that any treatment plan is appropriate for both the mother and her breastfeeding infant. By doing so, mothers can effectively manage their health without compromising the well-being of their children.

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

Which antimicrobial drug is considered safe during breastfeeding?

However, the Mayo Clinic lists several antibiotics that are generally considered safe for breastfeeding women, including: penicillins, including amoxicillin and ampicillin. cephalosporins, such as cephalexin (Keflex)

What can I take for a stomach bug while breastfeeding?

Some people are prescribed (or buy) prochlorperazine (Buccastem ®, Stemetil ®) tablets to relieve the nausea and vomiting, loperamide (Imodium®) to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea and rehydrating sachets (Dioralyte ®) to prevent dehydration. These drugs are suitable to take and carry on breastfeeding as normal.

Can a breastfeeding mother take ivermectin?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Limited data indicate that ivermectin is poorly excreted into breastmilk after oral administration. Amounts ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants over 7 days of age.

What can I take for parasites while breastfeeding?

Mebendazole (Vermox®, Ovex®, Pripsen tablets®).
The BNF states that the amount excreted into breastmilk is too small to be harmful although the manufacturer advises avoidance under the limitations of licensing. For explanation see bfn.

Does deworming affect milk production?

The average milk yield (litre/day/cow) significantly increased, which was 1.22 litres per day for treated cows and 1.06 litres for treated buffaloes. The intervention effect of deworming among cows was 0.79 (14.06 per cent increment) and for buffaloes was 0.42 (8.32 per cent increment).

Is it safe to take metronidazole while breastfeeding?

Metronidazole and breastfeeding
It’s OK to take metronidazole while you’re breastfeeding. When metronidazole is taken by mouth, as suppositories, or injected, it passes into breast milk in fairly small amounts. It’s unlikely to cause side effects in your baby, but a few babies have had diarrhoea.

What deworming medicine can you take while breastfeeding?

What can I use for worm infections? Both pyrantel and mebendazole are safe to use to treat worm infections while breastfeeding as they are poorly absorbed from the gut and unlikely to be passed into breast milk.

Can humans take pyrantel pamoate while breastfeeding?

It is not known whether pyrantel pamoate is excreted in breast milk. The WHO classifies pyrantel pamoate as compatible with breastfeeding, although data on the use of pyrantel pamoate during lactation are limited.

How do you get rid of intestinal parasites while pregnant?

The most common medications for treatment during pregnancy, Praziquantel, and Niclosamide, are both in risk category B. Most often, doctors will prescribe these medications if the risk of withholding treatment outweighs the risk of the potential drug effects to the fetus during pregnancy.

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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