Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Which antibiotic is safe while breastfeeding?

Which antibiotic is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antibiotics and Breastfeeding Safety
When it comes to the health of both mother and child, the question of antibiotic safety during breastfeeding is a significant concern for many new mothers. The good news is that most antibiotics are considered safe to use while breastfeeding, allowing mothers to treat infections without the added worry of harming their infants.
Safe Antibiotics for Breastfeeding Mothers
According to medical experts, several classes of antibiotics are deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers. Penicillins and erythromycin are commonly recommended options. These antibiotics are known for their effectiveness in treating various infections while posing minimal risk to nursing infants. Additionally, other antibiotics, including sulfa-based medications, Ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin, have also been found to be safe during lactation.
Mechanism of Safety
The safety of these antibiotics largely stems from their absorption characteristics. Many antibiotics, such as gentamicin and meropenem, are administered intravenously due to their poor absorption from the gut. This means that even if these drugs enter breast milk, they are unlikely to be absorbed in significant quantities by the baby. Therefore, the general consensus among healthcare professionals is that there is no need for mothers to cease breastfeeding solely on safety grounds when prescribed these medications.
Considerations and Recommendations
While the majority of antibiotics are safe, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any medication. Each case is unique, and factors such as the specific antibiotic prescribed, the mother’s health condition, and the baby’s age and health should all be taken into account.
Moreover, mothers should be aware of potential side effects that could affect their breastfeeding experience. For instance, some antibiotics may cause gastrointestinal disturbances in the mother, which could indirectly impact breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can generally take antibiotics without significant risk to their infants. Penicillins, erythromycin, and several others are safe options that allow mothers to manage infections effectively. However, it is always best practice to discuss any medication with a healthcare provider to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and child.

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).

Which antibiotics Cannot be taken with milk?

Calcium-Rich Foods + Antibiotics
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese can interfere with certain medications, including antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin.

What are the side effects of antibiotics in babies?

Side effects may include rashes, allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Make sure you let your child’s doctor know if your child has had a reaction to antibiotics in the past. Sometimes a rash will occur during the time a child is taking an antibiotic.

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.

Can you mix amoxicillin with breastmilk?

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

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

What antibiotics can a breastfeeding mother take?

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 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.

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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment