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What antibiotic is safe for breastfeeding?

Understanding Antibiotics and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the dilemma of needing antibiotics while ensuring the safety of their infants. The good news is that most antibiotics are considered safe for breastfeeding. However, it is essential to understand which specific antibiotics are recommended and the precautions that should be taken.
Safe Antibiotics for Breastfeeding Mothers
According to medical experts, penicillins and erythromycin are among the antibiotics deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers. These medications have been extensively studied and are known to have minimal effects on breastfed infants. For instance, penicillin antibiotics, which include amoxicillin, are widely used and have a long history of safety in lactating women.
Additionally, beta-lactam antibiotics, which encompass penicillins and cephalosporins, are also considered compatible with breastfeeding. They are generally well-tolerated and pose a low risk of adverse effects in infants.
Monitoring and Precautions
While many antibiotics are safe, it is still crucial for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their infants for any unusual reactions. The Breastfeeding Network emphasizes that while the majority of antibiotics are compatible with breastfeeding, individual responses can vary, and close observation is advised.
Moreover, healthcare providers often recommend that mothers discuss their specific situation with a doctor, especially if the infant is premature or has underlying health issues. This ensures that any potential risks are adequately assessed and managed.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can generally take antibiotics like penicillins and erythromycin without significant concern for their infants’ health. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional to tailor the treatment to individual needs and circumstances. This approach not only helps in managing the mother’s health but also ensures the safety and well-being of the breastfeeding infant.

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.

Which antibiotic is breastfeeding friendly?

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 you mix amoxicillin with breastmilk?

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

What antibiotics are safe 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.

What is the strongest antibiotic for bacterial infection?

Vancomycin is used to treat serious bacterial infections. It is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

What antibiotics are not safe while 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.

Why is azithromycin no longer recommended?

The risk of cardiovascular death was substantially increased among those with the greatest decile of cardiovascular risk score. In that group there was one excess cardiovascular death for every 4100 azithromycin prescriptions.

What medication is not safe for breastfeeding?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.

Can I take amoxicillin 500mg 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.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.

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.

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