What antibiotics can a breastfeeding mother take?

Understanding Antibiotics for Breastfeeding Mothers
When a breastfeeding mother faces an illness that requires antibiotic treatment, concerns about the safety of these medications for her nursing infant often arise. Fortunately, the majority of antibiotics are considered safe for use during breastfeeding, allowing mothers to manage their health without compromising their baby’s well-being.
Safety of Antibiotics in Breastfeeding
Most antibiotics are compatible with breastfeeding, and they are among the most commonly prescribed medications for nursing mothers. This compatibility stems from the fact that while some antibiotics do pass into breast milk, the amounts are typically low enough that they do not pose a significant risk to the infant. For instance, antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporins are frequently prescribed and are known to be safe during lactation.
Specific Antibiotics and Their Effects
Certain antibiotics, like gentamicin and meropenem, are administered intravenously due to their poor absorption from the gut. This means that even if they enter breast milk, the quantities are unlikely to be absorbed by the baby in harmful amounts. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has indicated that many commonly used antibiotics do not adversely affect breastfeeding infants.
Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
While the general consensus is that antibiotics are safe, mothers should still consult healthcare providers regarding specific medications. It’s essential to consider the type of infection being treated and the potential side effects of the antibiotic. For example, some antibiotics may cause gastrointestinal disturbances in the mother, which could indirectly affect breastfeeding.
Moreover, while most antibiotics are safe, there are exceptions. Medications like dipyrone and high doses of aspirin are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers due to potential risks. Therefore, it is crucial for mothers to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to ensure both their health and that of their baby.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can generally take antibiotics without significant concern for their infants. Most antibiotics are safe and effective, allowing mothers to recover from infections while continuing to breastfeed. However, it is always advisable for mothers to seek medical advice tailored to their specific circumstances to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

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.

Can you mix amoxicillin with breastmilk?

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

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 are safe while breastfeeding?

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 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.

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

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 drugs can be passed through breast milk?

most antibiotics. asthma inhalers. vitamins (but only at the recommended dose) the painkiller paracetamol – you should check with a GP or midwife before taking paracetamol if it’s combined with other medicines.

What are the side effects of amoxicillin for breastfed babies?

These small amounts are not expected to cause side effects for most nursing infants. In a study of 67 breastfeeding infants, there were no serious side effects from this medication in the breast milk. Some babies had rash, diarrhea, irritability, or constipation, but these reactions did not last long.