What antibiotics are not safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antibiotics and Breastfeeding Safety
Breastfeeding mothers often face the dilemma of needing antibiotics while ensuring the safety of their infants. While many antibiotics are considered safe during lactation, some can pose risks to breastfeeding babies. Understanding which antibiotics to avoid is crucial for nursing mothers.
Safe Antibiotics for Breastfeeding
Most antibiotics are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. Commonly prescribed antibiotics, such as penicillins and erythromycin, are typically well-tolerated and do not adversely affect breastfed infants. Additionally, antibiotics like sulfa-based medications, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin have also been deemed safe for use during breastfeeding.
Antibiotics to Avoid
However, certain antibiotics should be approached with caution. Tetracyclines, for instance, have historically raised concerns due to their potential effects on bone development and dental enamel in infants. While recent studies suggest that short-term use (less than 21 days) may be acceptable, it is still advisable to limit their use during breastfeeding.
Other antibiotics, such as gentamicin and meropenem, are administered intravenously and are poorly absorbed from the gut. This means that while they may not significantly enter breast milk, their use should still be carefully considered.
Risks of Certain Antibiotics
Some antibiotics can have more pronounced effects on breastfeeding infants. For example, chloramphenicol is known to potentially cause serious side effects, including “gray baby syndrome,” which can be fatal. Therefore, it is generally recommended that breastfeeding mothers avoid this antibiotic altogether.
Additionally, fluoroquinolones and linezolid may also pose risks, and their use should be limited to situations where the benefits outweigh the potential harm.
Conclusion
In summary, while many antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding mothers, caution is warranted with certain medications. It is essential for nursing mothers to consult healthcare providers to determine the best course of action when antibiotics are necessary. By doing so, they can ensure both their health and the safety of their breastfeeding infants.

Are there any antibiotics you can’t take while breastfeeding?

Co-trimoxazole should not be prescribed to a breastfeeding mother in the first 6 weeks after birth, where there is a possibility of G6PD deficiency or if the baby is still jaundiced.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

Which drugs is usually avoided with 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.

How long after taking antibiotics can I breastfeed?

In most cases, you can safely breastfeed after you have been taking antibiotics for about two weeks and have been told by your doctor that you are no longer infectious.

Is amoxicillin bad for breastfeeding?

Amoxicillin is safe for use in women who are breastfeeding. Its physical characteristics, including low fat solubility, low protein binding, and acidic pH, limit its transfer into breastmilk. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers this drug to be safe to take when breastfeeding.

Can I take a zpack while breastfeeding?

Azithromycin and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it’s OK to take azithromycin while breastfeeding. Azithromycin passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies.

Can you pass an infection through breast milk?

Breast milk can occasionally transmit serious viral and bacterial infections to preterm infants. We present three cases of late-onset neonatal sepsis, including one that resulted in death, occurring in preterm infants. The likely source of the microorganisms in all three cases was expressed breast milk.

What is the safest antibiotic during pregnancy?

Thankfully, there are several safe antibiotics during pregnancy. Penicillins, most cephalosporins, and azithromycin are considered first-choice options during pregnancy. Antibiotics like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones shouldn’t be used in pregnancy in most cases.

How long does it take for amoxicillin to get into breast milk?

After a single 1 gram oral dose of amoxicillin in 6 women, peak milk amoxicillin levels occurred 4 to 5 hours after the dose. Average milk levels were 0.69 mg/L (range 0.46 to 0.88 mg/L) at 4 hours and 0.81 mg/L (range 0.39 to 1.3 mg/L) at 5 hours after the dose.

What happens to babies when breastfeeding on antibiotics?

This may be because antibiotics may deplete the “good” bacteria in your baby’s gut. Keep in mind that this effect is usually short lived, not harmful, and not a given. Also, keep in mind that breast milk is great for your baby’s gut health, so it’s important to continue breastfeeding.