What are the side effects of amoxicillin in breastfed babies?

Understanding Amoxicillin and Its Effects on Breastfed Babies
Amoxicillin, a widely used antibiotic, is often prescribed 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 reported.
Side Effects in Breastfed Infants
While amoxicillin is considered safe, some side effects can occur in breastfed infants, although they are infrequent and typically mild. The most commonly reported side effects include drowsiness and diarrhea. These effects are usually short-lived and resolve without the need for medical intervention.
Additionally, there are occasional reports of skin rashes and disruptions to the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, which can lead to diarrhea or conditions like thrush. These gastrointestinal disturbances are not uncommon with antibiotic use, as they can alter the natural balance of bacteria in the gut.
Safety Profile
The safety profile of amoxicillin during breastfeeding is supported by its low levels in breast milk. 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 the amount of the drug that passes into breast milk is minimal and unlikely to cause significant effects.
Conclusion
In summary, while some side effects such as drowsiness and diarrhea can occur in breastfed babies when their mothers take amoxicillin, these effects are generally mild and transient. The antibiotic is deemed safe for use during breastfeeding, allowing mothers to treat infections without undue concern for their infants’ health. As always, mothers should consult with their healthcare providers regarding any medications they are prescribed while breastfeeding to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

What is the most common 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.

Can antibiotics make breastfed baby sick?

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.

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 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.

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.

Can mom taking antibiotics make baby fussy?

Most antibiotics can produce excessively loose motions in the baby, with the appearance of diarrhoea. Some infants appear more unsettled with tummy aches or colic.

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.

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.

Will milk cancel out amoxicillin?

The manufacturers of cefdinir, cephalexin, and azithromycin (Zithromax) don’t caution against taking these antibiotics with milk. Similarly, the antibiotics amoxicillin (Amoxil) and Augmentin (amoxicillin / potassium clavulanate) can be taken with milk.

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

For infants, the prior exposure may have taken place either in utero or via breast milk.” Amoxil can be seen in breast milk albeit at low levels and waiting 4-5 half-lives should be reasonable time to clear amoxil from the mother’s circulation.