Antibiotics for breastfeeding women

This is an automatically translated article.

The appointment of antibiotics while breastfeeding requires a choice between the benefits of the mother and the risks of the baby when not breastfed as well as the potential effect of the drug on the nursing infant. An antibiotic may be safe to take during pregnancy, but it may not be safe to use during breastfeeding because the drug can be transported into breast milk.

1. Can breastfeeding women use antibiotics?

Antibiotics are drugs that inhibit or limit the growth of bacteria as well as reduce the inflammatory response caused by bacteria. However, the use of antibiotics when infected with bacteria needs to be correct and adequate dosage, especially for women who are breast-feeding.
The appointment of antibiotics while breastfeeding requires a choice between the benefits of the mother and the risks of the baby when not breastfed as well as the potential effect of the drug on the nursing infant. An antibiotic may be safe to take during pregnancy, but it may not be safe to use during breastfeeding because the drug can be transported into breast milk.
The effects of antibiotics on the nursing infant can be limited by using poorly absorbed drugs or by not breastfeeding for the period of time when the drug is at its peak. In some cases, topical drugs can be used to limit the effects of antibiotics on children.

2. Antibiotics for breastfeeding women

Taking antibiotics while breastfeeding can cause problems related to changes in the gut microbiome and allergies, even if small amounts of the drug pass into the milk. However, like any medicine, including antibiotics, it can pass through breast milk but not necessarily absorbed into the baby, so it is not necessary for a nursing woman to delay breastfeeding while breastfeeding. treatment. Some antibiotics for breastfeeding women are as follows:
Beta-Lactam group: In this group of antibiotics, penicillins and cephalosporins will be excreted in breast milk in very small amounts. So babies can breastfeed, but in some cases can also cause side effects when babies are breastfed with this group of antibiotics is diarrhea. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group of drugs can also be used during lactation, however, this group of drugs should be restricted in mothers 2 months premature because Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can increase bilirubin in nursing infants. . Tetracycline group: Previously, this group of antibiotics was contraindicated for use in breastfeeding women, because this group of drugs can adhere to the immature teeth of infants. However, in the case of short treatment time, it is okay because tetracycline drugs will form a complex with calcium in milk, so the baby will not absorb it. Similar drugs are Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline. Metronidazole is an antibiotic indicated for bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotics can be taken while breastfeeding with this medicine because the drug does not pose a danger to the baby, in the most severe cases can cause the baby to have loose stools when the mother is taking Flagyl. Metronidazole (Flagyl) can change the color of milk and give it an unpleasant taste so babies may not be able to breastfeed. Fluconazole: An antibiotic commonly prescribed in cases of breast infections in nursing women. The antibiotic fluconazole passes into breast milk, but only about 5% of the usual infant dose is absorbed if breastfed. Other antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Ciproxin) are rarely used in nursing mothers if short-term treatment causes serious problems for the baby. As for the antibiotics of the Quinolone group, they should only be used by nursing women in the case of weighing the benefits and risks for the mother and the baby. Nitrofurantoin: When this antibiotic is used in nursing women, only a small amount is excreted in breast milk. However, the drug can cause hemolytic anemia due to G6PD deficiency in neonates. Topical antibiotics: Antibacterial creams or ointments and gels are absorbed enough to pass through breast milk, so when using antibiotics for breastfeeding women, it is safe for the baby. Only in case these antibiotics are applied on the nipples will it have to be cleaned before feeding the baby. Antibiotics for bladder infections: Antibiotics for bladder infections are generally safe to take while breastfeeding. Accordingly, the antibiotics used to treat bladder infections are sulfate antibiotics.

3. Note when using antibiotics in breastfeeding women

The use of some of the above antibiotics for breastfeeding women is safe, less dangerous. However, there are a number of unknown effects of the drug on the nursing infant, so antibiotics should only be used in nursing women when absolutely necessary, considering the lowest dose and duration. The shortest time possible and should be noted a few things as follows:
When breastfeeding women must use antibiotics, priority should be given to choosing antibiotics commonly used for young children, because These medicines are safer for a nursing baby. Where possible it is best to take oral medications once or a day immediately after the longest feeding; It is the last feeding of the day before the child goes to bed. In particular, it should be noted that after breastfeeding women use antibiotics, they must closely monitor the side effects that the baby may experience such as drowsiness, irritability,... extended-release or extended-release formulations or combinations of antibiotics. The reason to avoid these drugs is because single-dose drugs will allow the doctor to adjust flexibly when needed and short-acting antibiotics will be cleared from the mother's body quickly, so that the baby will be able to Breastfeeding earlier, limiting the side effects of the drug. For women who breastfeed premature babies, special precautions should be taken because the size and organ system of the baby is weaker than that of a full-term infant. When using more than one antibiotic or one drug in combination with many other drugs, the guidelines and recommendations for the drug with the most problems should be followed. Given the benefits and risks of antibiotics in nursing women, when using any antibiotic that is prescribed or bought over the counter without a prescription, it is important to consult with your doctor. doctor for instructions to use, limit the side effects of the drug for breastfed babies.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.