What are the side effects of amoxicillin for breastfed babies?

Understanding Amoxicillin and Its Effects on Breastfed Babies
Amoxicillin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, is often used to treat various bacterial infections. For breastfeeding mothers, concerns about the safety of medications for their infants are paramount. Fortunately, research indicates that amoxicillin is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers and their babies, with minimal side effects.
Side Effects in Breastfed Infants
While amoxicillin is considered safe, some side effects can occur in breastfed infants. The most frequently reported issues include drowsiness and diarrhea. These side effects are typically mild and resolve without the need for medical intervention.
Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that amoxicillin can disrupt the gastrointestinal flora of infants, which may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth. However, these occurrences are relatively rare and are not expected to cause significant harm to the infant.
Low Levels in Breast Milk
One reassuring aspect of amoxicillin use during breastfeeding is that it is present in breast milk at low levels. Studies have shown that the relative infant dose (RID) of amoxicillin is approximately 1%, which is considered low enough to avoid adverse reactions in most breastfed infants. This means that while some medication does transfer to the baby through breast milk, it is unlikely to reach levels that would cause harm.
Conclusion
In summary, while amoxicillin can lead to mild side effects such as drowsiness and diarrhea in breastfed infants, these effects are generally transient and not severe. The low levels of the drug found in breast milk further support its safety for breastfeeding mothers. As always, mothers should consult with their healthcare providers regarding any concerns about medications while breastfeeding, ensuring both their health and that of their infants are prioritized.

What should I watch when giving my baby amoxicillin?

Side effects you must do something about
If your child is short of breath or is wheezing, or their face, lips or tongue start to swell, or they develop a rash, they may be allergic to Amoxicillin. Take your child to hospital or phone for an ambulance straight away.

Can antibiotics mess with my milk supply?

In most cases, antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding parents and their babies. “Antibiotics are one of the most common medications mothers are prescribed, and all pass in some degree into milk,” explains the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP).

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 are the side effects of amoxicillin in infants?

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What are the side effects of giving a baby amoxicillin?

Beyond the temporary soreness following a vaginal or cesarean delivery, there are other side effects to be aware of after childbirth: Contractions – You might feel menstrual cramp-like contractions in the early days after delivery, particularly if you’re breastfeeding.

Does amoxicillin cause gas in babies?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take amoxicillin. Check with your child’s health-care provider if your child continues to have any of these side effects, and they do not go away, or they bother your child: Loose or watery bowel movements (diarrhea) stomach cramps or bloating (fullness)

Can amoxicillin affect breastfed babies?

Small amounts of penicillin can pass into breast milk. (Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin drug.) This may cause sensitization in infants. With sensitization, an infant can develop an allergic reaction to a substance that they experience exposure to during fetal development.

What is the biggest side effect of amoxicillin?

The most common side effects of amoxicillin are feeling sick (nausea) and diarrhoea. Liquid amoxicillin can stain your teeth. This does not last and is removed by brushing. You can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin.

What are the side effects of antibiotics on breastfed babies?

Oral and gut microflora
Exposure to antimicrobials can affect the infant’s natural balance of microflora. In rare cases, antibiotic exposure has disturbed this balance and caused gastrointestinal disturbances or candidiasis. These effects are generally mild and resolve upon treatment discontinuation.

Can amoxicillin affect a newborn?

There can be side effects to any medication. However, short and long term side effects of amoxicillin and gentamicin are very rare in newborns, which is one of the reasons why these antibiotics are commonly used. It is important to report any concerns to the midwife, nurse or paediatric doctor.