Which antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding?

Understanding Antibiotics and Breastfeeding
When a breastfeeding mother faces an infection 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.
Safe Antibiotics for Breastfeeding Mothers
Most antibiotics are compatible with breastfeeding. According to medical guidelines, many commonly prescribed antibiotics do not pose significant risks to nursing infants. Beta-lactam antibiotics, which include penicillins and cephalosporins, are among the safest options. These medications are frequently used to treat a variety of infections and have a long history of safe use in breastfeeding mothers.
Erythromycin is another antibiotic that is generally deemed safe during lactation. It is often prescribed for respiratory infections and skin conditions, providing an effective treatment option without significant risk to the breastfeeding infant.
In addition to these, sulfa-based antibiotics and nitrofurantoin have also been found to be safe for breastfeeding mothers. These medications are commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, which are prevalent among women.
Considerations and Precautions
While many antibiotics are safe, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any medication. Individual circumstances can vary, and factors such as the specific antibiotic, the mother’s health condition, and the infant’s age and health should all be considered.
Moreover, some antibiotics, like metronidazole, may have specific side effects, such as the potential to cause gastrointestinal disturbances in infants. Therefore, while it is generally safe, monitoring the infant for any unusual symptoms is advisable.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can often take antibiotics without fear of harming their infants. Beta-lactam antibiotics, erythromycin, and certain other medications are typically safe and effective. However, it remains crucial for mothers to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies. This proactive approach not only addresses health concerns but also fosters a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers navigating the complexities of medication use.

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 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.

How long does amoxicillin stay in your breast milk?

Amoxicillin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
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.

Can you mix amoxicillin with breastmilk?

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

What medications decrease milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

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.

What antibiotics can I take 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.

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 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.

What drugs should be avoided during lactation?

Drugs contraindicated during breastfeeding include anticancer drugs, lithium, oral retinoids, iodine, amiodarone and gold salts. An understanding of the principles underlying the transfer into breast milk is important, as is an awareness of the potential adverse effects on the infant.