Is amoxicillin safe for breastfeeding moms?

Amoxicillin and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
For breastfeeding mothers, the decision to take medication can be fraught with anxiety, particularly when it comes to antibiotics like amoxicillin. Understanding the safety of such medications is crucial for both the mother’s health and the well-being of her infant.
Safety Profile of Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this medication is classified as compatible with breastfeeding. The drug’s unique physical properties—such as low fat solubility and low protein binding—significantly limit its transfer into breast milk, which is a primary concern for nursing mothers.
Research indicates that amoxicillin produces only low levels in breast milk, levels that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. While there have been occasional reports of side effects such as rashes or gastrointestinal disturbances (like diarrhea or thrush) in infants, these occurrences are relatively rare and not directly linked to the antibiotic itself .
Considerations for Use
Despite its general safety, some healthcare providers may stillIs Amoxicillin Safe for Breastfeeding Moms?
Yes, amoxicillin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to the information gathered from various reputable sources, amoxicillin is a safe antibiotic for women to take while breastfeeding their infants.
The key points are:
Low Levels in Breastmilk: Amoxicillin has low fat solubility and low protein binding, which limits the amount that gets transferred into breastmilk.
Minimal Infant Exposure: The small amounts of amoxicillin that do get into breastmilk are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Pediatric Safety: The American Academy of Pediatrics considers amoxicillin safe for use by breastfeeding mothers.
Occasional Side Effects: Rarely, infants may experience minor side effects like rash, diarrhea, or thrush, but these are uncommon.
In summary, the available evidence indicates that amoxicillin is a safe antibiotic option for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal risk of harm to the breastfed infant. Mothers can generally take amoxicillin as prescribed without concern about passing it on through their breastmilk.

What antibiotics are safe while breastfeeding?

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®,

What are the side effects of amoxicillin in infants?

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) upset stomach or throwing up (vomiting)

Can you mix amoxicillin with breastmilk?

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

Can amoxicillin make baby sick?

Some children get diarrhoea, stomach pains and may feel sick or be sick (vomit) when they first start taking Amoxicillin.

How do you take amoxicillin while breastfeeding?

Drug Levels and Effects
[2] Using these data, an exclusively breastfed infant would be expected to receive a maximum daily dosage of about 0.1 mg/kg of amoxicillin with a maternal dose of 500 mg three times daily. This amounts to 0.25 to 0.5% of a typical infant amoxicillin dosage.

Can amoxicillin hurt my baby?

Amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, and penicillin V are often used in pregnancy and would not be expected to harm a baby in the womb. However, if you are pregnant and have taken any medicines it is always a good idea to let your doctor know in case you need any additional monitoring or treatment.

How long does amoxicillin stay in your 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.

Can antibiotics make your milk supply drop?

Occasionally women are given medications that can interfere with their milk supply. A common clinical scenario is a woman who has an overwhelming allergic reaction to something, such as an antibiotic given to her for mastitis.

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.

What are the side effects of amoxicillin in breastfed babies?

These small amounts are not expected to cause side effects for most nursing infants. In a study of 67 breastfeeding infants, there were no serious side effects from this medication in the breast milk. Some babies had rash, diarrhea, irritability, or constipation, but these reactions did not last long.