Can you breastfeed while on amoxicillin?

Can You Breastfeed While on Amoxicillin?
Breastfeeding mothers often face the dilemma of needing medication while ensuring the safety of their infants. One common antibiotic prescribed is amoxicillin, and many new mothers wonder if it is safe to continue breastfeeding while taking this medication.
Safety of Amoxicillin During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that amoxicillin is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. The drug is known to produce only low levels in breast milk, which are not expected to cause adverse effects in infants. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, amoxicillin is considered compatible with breastfeeding, making it a preferred choice for treating bacterial infections in nursing mothers.
Potential Side Effects for Infants
While the transfer of amoxicillin into breast milk is minimal, there are some reported side effects in breastfed infants. These can include mild gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or thrush, as well as occasional rashes. However, these effects are typically infrequent and resolve without the need for medical intervention. The overall consensus among health professionals is that the benefits of treating the mother with amoxicillin outweigh the potential risks to the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while on amoxicillin is considered safe. The low levels of the antibiotic that pass into breast milk are unlikely to harm the baby. Mothers should always consult with their healthcare provider regarding any medications they are prescribed, but in the case of amoxicillin, the evidence supports its use during breastfeeding without significant concern for the infant’s health.

Can you mix amoxicillin with breastmilk?

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

Do antibiotics affect breastfed babies?

Additionally, maternal use of antibiotics while breastfeeding significantly alters the breastmilk microbiome and the antibiotics can pass through the breastmilk to impact the infant’s developing microbiome as well (23, 24).

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.

Which antibiotic is not safe in lactation?

Metronidazole. Metronidazole (Flagyl®) has been said to impart an unpleasant taste to the milk and cause the baby to reject it.

What medications should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

Is amoxicillin affected by milk?

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 quickly does an allergic reaction to amoxicillin happen in babies?

The reactions can be immediate (within one to two hours) or delayed (after hours or days). See your child’s health-care provider right away if they develop a more serious allergic reaction (for example, if your child looks unwell, has a high fever, develops blistering or has difficulty breathing).

Is amoxicillin safe to take while breastfeeding?

Amoxicillin and breastfeeding
It is OK to take amoxicillin while breastfeeding. Information shows that only tiny amounts of amoxicillin get into breast milk. Such levels would not be expected to cause side effects in your baby.

How long does amoxicillin stay in your system?

Amoxicillin typically stays in your system for 8 to 12 hours after your most recent dose. It’s possible to continue experiencing some effects of amoxicillin after you stop taking the drug, especially during this 8-hour to 12-hour period.

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.