What antibiotics are OK while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antibiotics and Breastfeeding
When it comes to breastfeeding, many new mothers face the dilemma of needing antibiotics while also wanting to ensure the safety of their infants. The good news is that most antibiotics are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, allowing mothers to treat infections without the added stress of compromising their baby’s health.
Safety of Antibiotics in Breastfeeding
Research indicates that the majority of antibiotics do not pose significant risks to breastfeeding infants. For instance, antibiotics such as penicillins (like amoxicillin) and cephalosporins are commonly prescribed and are generally regarded as safe. These medications are well-studied and have been shown to pass into breast milk in minimal amounts, which are unlikely to affect the baby adversely.
Moreover, certain antibiotics, including gentamicin and meropenem, are administered intravenously due to their poor absorption from the gut. This means that even if they do enter breast milk, the quantities are so low that they are unlikely to be absorbed by the infant.
Specific Antibiotics Considered Safe
While many antibiotics are safe, some specific classes have been highlighted for their compatibility with breastfeeding:
– Beta-lactam antibiotics: This group includes penicillins and cephalosporins, which are frequently prescribed and have a long history ofAntibiotics and Breastfeeding
Most antibiotics are considered safe to take while breastfeeding. According to the available research, the amount of antibiotics that pass into breastmilk is generally low and unlikely to cause any harm to the breastfeeding infant.
Some common antibiotics that are considered safe include:
– Penicillins (e.g. amoxicillin, ampicillin)
– Cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin, cefuroxime)
– Macrolides (e.g. erythromycin, azithromycin)
– Sulfonamides (e.g. sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim)
– Fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin)
Antibiotics that are given intravenously, like gentamycin and meropenem, are also considered safe as they are poorly absorbed into breastmilk.
However, there are a few antibiotics that should be used with caution or avoided while breastfeeding, such as tetracyclines and chloramphenicol. These can potentially cause side effects in the breastfeeding infant.
In general, it’s important to discuss any antibiotic use with your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for both you and your breastfeeding baby. They can provide guidance on the appropriate antibiotic to use and any necessary precautions.

What antibiotics are safe to take while 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®,

Can you mix amoxicillin with breastmilk?

Amoxicillin can be reconstituted with breast milk for use in infants.

What antibiotics are safe during pregnancy and lactation?

Other antibiotics are thought to pose risks during pregnancy. For example, tetracyclines can affect bone growth and cause a baby’s teeth to discolor. Tetracyclines aren’t suggested for use after the fifth week of pregnancy. Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin) might raise the risk of cleft lip if given in the first trimester.

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.

What antibiotics should not be taken with milk?

Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese can interfere with certain medications, including antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin.

How do babies react to antibiotics in breast milk?

Antibiotics pass through breast milk and may similarly disrupt an infant’s gastrointestinal flora. This may lead to diarrhea or it can also cause rashes or thrush. Taking a probiotic may protect your baby’s GI system while you’re on antibiotics. Older infants who eat solid foods can eat yogurt containing live cultures.

What is the safest antibiotic in 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. If you took an unsafe antibiotic before realizing you were pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away.

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.

Why is azithromycin no longer recommended?

However, in recent years, the cardiac safety of azithromycin has been questioned, primarily because of increasing concerns regarding the potential for QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, and cardiovascular death.

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.