Knowledge Builders

can you use antibiotic ointment while breastfeeding

by Darron Schroeder Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Antibiotic ointment or drops are placed in your baby's eyes soon after birth.. Don't be shy about asking for help with breastfeeding while you're still in the birth room (or recovery room, if you had a c-section). Later, when you get to the postpartum unit,.

Topical antibacterial agents
There is no evidence that topical anti-infective creams, ointments and gels are sufficiently absorbed to pass into breastmilk. If they are applied to the nipple any visible product should be gently wiped off prior to breastfeeding.

Full Answer

Are antibiotics safe for the baby while breastfeeding?

You don’t have to be afraid of antibiotics because there are drugs that do not require you to stop breastfeeding. I’m talking about antibiotics safe enough for the baby to take while breastfeeding.

Why can’t I take medicines while breastfeeding?

Many drugs are not compatible with lactation, they negatively affect milk composition and production. In addition, some medicines, especially antibiotics while breastfeeding are harmful to health and slows down baby’s development.

Are topical anti-infective creams and ointments safe to use while breastfeeding?

There is no evidence that topical anti-infective creams, ointments and gels are sufficiently absorbed to pass into breastmilk. If they are applied to the nipple any visible product should be gently wiped off prior to breastfeeding. Hale T. 1999, Clinical Therapy in Breastfeeding Patients (1st Edition); Pharmasoft, Texas

Can I use Neosporin If I am breastfeeding?

Neosporin use while Breastfeeding. Important: Neosporin is a drug containing multiple ingredients. Please check each of the links below, where breastfeeding (lactation) information is available. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. Always consult your physician.

image

Can you use triple antibiotic ointment while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding. Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Can I use Neosporin on a cut while breastfeeding?

Of the over-the-counter treatments, Polysporin (Polymyxin B Sulfate and Bacitracin Zinc) may be preferred for topical use in the nipple area of nursing moms over antibiotic ointments containing neomycin (such as Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment).

Can I use bacitracin while breastfeeding?

Because it is poorly absorbed after topical application and oral ingestion, bacitracin is considered a low risk to the nursing infant. [1] Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.

What antibiotics are not safe while breastfeeding?

In general, all antibiotics can cause three potential problems for nursing infants....Effects not known/to be used with caution:– Chloramphenicol.– Clindamycin.– Dapsone.– Mandelic acid.– Metronidazole (low dose).– Nalidixic acid.– Nitrofurantoin.– Penicillins.More items...

Is antibiotic ointment safe for pregnancy?

Miscellaneous Topical Antibiotics It is category B and is recommended for use during pregnancy [9]. Other topical treatments for impetigo and folliculitis are fusidic acid, gentamicin, and bacitracin. Data on their effect on pregnancy is meager, and they are classified as category C.

Is triple antibiotic ointment safe in pregnancy?

This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Is Neosporin ointment safe during pregnancy?

Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Is antibiotic ointment safe for babies?

Infants, especially those in intensive care units, are vulnerable to staph infections. Applying an ointment may help them. Newborns are vulnerable to all types of infections, and some are life-threatening.

Is bacitracin ointment safe during pregnancy?

Bacitracin should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby. No studies have been done in animals, and no well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women. Bacitracin should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Do antibiotics dry up milk supply?

#1: There's No Evidence Antibiotics Lower Breastmilk Supply There's zero evidence to suggest the use of antibiotics can lower breastmilk supply.

How long do antibiotics affect breast milk?

The American Academy of Pediatrics, while rating Flagyl as safe, suggests that nursing women discard their milk for 24 hours after taking a dose of the drug, since a large percent of Flagyl ends up in the breast milk.

Can you pass an infection through breast milk?

The actual risk for transmission of an infectious agent to an infant via a single ingestion of expressed breast milk (the most common occurrence) from another mother is exceedingly low. In this scenario, the CDC recommends treating this as an accidental exposure to a body fluid, which could be infectious.

When should you not use Neosporin?

Do not apply the ointment over large skin areas. Do not use on a deep cut, an animal bite, or a serious burn. Contact your doctor for instructions on how to treat these more severe skin injuries. This medication can be applied up to 3 times each day, or as directed on the medicine label.

Can you use Neosporin while pregnant?

Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Is Neosporin good for open wounds?

Neosporin is a triple antibiotic ointment available over the counter that can help treat minor cuts, abrasions, and burns. The ointment may help speed healing and ease pain, but proper wound care may do the same without the need for a topical antibiotic.

Is Neosporin safe for babies?

Maximum Strength NEOSPORIN® + Pain Relief First Aid Antibiotic/Pain Relieving Creams and Ointments are recommended for adults and children 2 years of age and older.

How to keep baby away from antibiotics while breastfeeding?

Take the following precautionary measures to keep your baby away from risks connected with taking antibiotics while breastfeeding: Do NOT self-medicate. Consult your doctor to get a prescription and make sure the drug is compatible with lactation. Do not try to reduce the dose of the drug.

What antibiotics are compatible with breastfeeding?

Product name. Penicillins. Low toxicity, penetrate into breast milk in a small dose, may sometimes cause diarrhea and rash. Ampicillin, Amoxycillin-clavulanate, Ampiox, Amoxicillin and Penicillin.

What antibacterial drugs are not safe for breastfeeding?

The prohibited antibacterial drugs for breastfeeding mothers include: Aminoglycosides (Amikacin, Kanamycin, Streptomycin and others). Albeit the drugs of this group penetrate into breast milk in low concentrations, the possible toxicity for the baby’s hearing and kidneys does not allow them to be use in lactation.

How to make your baby's milk expression easier?

Use electric breast pumps to make the process of milk expression easier and more convenient for you. Take care of building freezed milk supply prepared in advance to feed your baby with your breastmilk while you take antibiotics.

Why do women refuse to take antibiotics?

That is the main reason why many women refuse to take antibiotics, fearing that they will harm the baby, and thereby putting their health and ability to continue breastfeeding at risk. Because there are some medical conditions where the antibiotic is the only option for treatment. But here’s THE GOOD NEWS:

What are the factors to pay attention to before using an antibiotic?

The are several factors to pay attention to before use: toxicity of antibiotic compound. adverse effects on the internal organs of the newborn. possible side effects and individual tolerability. the risk of allergic reactions. duration of drug intake.

What to discuss with a doctor about breastfeeding?

Points you should consider discussing: Tell the doctor you are breastfeeding. This is the most important thing to mention at the doctor’s appointment before he actually writes down the prescription. Inform your doctor about your baby’s age and health problems, if any.

What are the restrictions on breastfeeding?

Although most of the times antibiotics are allowed during breastfeeding (if the indication for their administration is clear), there are also restrictions because some of them can lead to: 1 Miscarriage. 2 Fetal malformations. 3 Fetal death. 4 Gastrointestinal, renal disorders, etc (after birth).

Can you give up smoking while breastfeeding?

Most mothers are a lot more careful during pregnancy or when breastfeeding, so ideally they give up smoking or drinking alcohol, some of them change their diet (maybe for the first time in their life), and look skeptically at the consumption of drugs or natural products.

What antibiotics are safe to take while breastfeeding?

The following antibiotics are all safe to take whilst breastfeeding; Amoxycillin, Amoxil ®, Azithromycin, Zithromax®, Cefaclor, Distaclor®, Cefuroxime, Zinnat®. Cephalexin, Cefalexin, Keflex®,

What is the treatment for MRSA?

Use to treat MRSA is generally given by intra-venous and intra-muscular absorption.

Can antibiotics be used for mastitis?

However, there are times when their use is important and even lifesaving. The use of antibiotics to treat mastitis is discussed in the BfN leaflet Breastfeeding and Mastitis . Choice of antibiotic to treat any condition depends primarily on ...

Can breastmilk change the taste of breastmilk?

Babies do not appear to be concerned by the frequent variation in the taste of breastmilk which occurs naturally. Occasionally it can alter the colour of the milk. In the US single doses of 2g are used and breastfeeding is temporarily interrupted.

Is the Breastfeeding Network responsible for the way the information is used?

No responsibility can be taken by the author or the Breastfeeding Network for the way in which the information is used. Clinical decisions remain the responsibility of medical and breastfeeding practitioners. The data presented here is intended to provide some immediate information but cannot replace input from professionals.

Can antibiotics cause diarrhoea?

Most antibiotics can produce excessively loose motions in the baby, with the appearance of diarrhoea. Some infants appear more unsettled with tummy aches or colic. These effects are not clinically significant and do not require treatment. The value of continued breastfeeding outweighs the temporary inconvenience.

Can you stop breastfeeding with antibiotics?

The use of antibiotics does not generally necessitate suspension or cessation of breastfeeding. Antibiotics are generally prescribed more sparingly than they were in the past in the light of increasing evidence of lack of benefit in self-limiting conditions and increased resistance in some organisms. Antibiotics are not appropriate in viral ...

image

Intra-Venous Antibiotics

Tetracyclines

Metronidazole

  • Metronidazole (Flagyl®) has been said to impart an unpleasant taste to the milk and cause the baby to reject it. It has not been possible to trace the original research which suggested this or who tasted the milk and made this conclusion. Babies do not appear to be concerned by the frequent variation in the taste of breastmilk which occurs naturally. Occasionally it can alter the …
See more on breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

Other Antibiotics

  1. Ciprofloxacin(Ciproxin®) can cause problems in the joints of juvenile animals exposed to it. The relevance to breastfeeding is unknown, and short maternal courses are unlikely to pose problems, oth...
  2. Nitrofurantoin(Furadantin®, Macrodantin®) – only small amounts are excreted into breastmilk but may cause haemolysis in G6PD deficient infants (a comparatively rare condition involvin…
  1. Ciprofloxacin(Ciproxin®) can cause problems in the joints of juvenile animals exposed to it. The relevance to breastfeeding is unknown, and short maternal courses are unlikely to pose problems, oth...
  2. Nitrofurantoin(Furadantin®, Macrodantin®) – only small amounts are excreted into breastmilk but may cause haemolysis in G6PD deficient infants (a comparatively rare condition involving enzyme defic...
  3. Vancomycinand teicoplaninare used to treat multiple resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The side effects of these drugs are potentially severe and their use requires blood counts, kidney and li...
  4. Clindamycin is available as a tablet and vaginal gel. The tablets have rarely produced antibiot…

Topical Antibacterial Agents

  • There is no evidence that topical anti-infective creams, ointments and gels are sufficiently absorbed to pass into breastmilk. If they are applied to the nipple any visible product should be gently wiped off prior to breastfeeding. 1. Fusidic Acid, (Fucidin®) 2. Mupirocin, (Bactroban®)
See more on breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

Bibliography

  1. British National Formulary, Pharmaceutical Press, London
  2. Hale T, Ilett KF, 2002, Drug Therapy and Breastfeeding, Parthenon, London
  3. Hale T. W Medications in Mothers Milk
  4. Hale T. 1999, Clinical Therapy in Breastfeeding Patients (1st Edition); Pharmasoft, Texas
See more on breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

1.Breastfeeding and Antibiotics: What You Need to Know

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-and-antibiotics

28 hours ago  · And again, if your baby could safely take the antibiotic, it’s likely safe to take it while breastfeeding. If you’re considering taking an …

2.Antibiotic ointment while breastfeeding : beyondthebump

Url:https://www.reddit.com/r/beyondthebump/comments/vswyin/antibiotic_ointment_while_breastfeeding/

25 hours ago Maybe a dumb question but can you use antibiotic ointment on nipples while breastfeeding? According to google you can as long as you wipe it off before breastfeeding but has anyone done it? I just had a milk blister that came off and it’s kind of tender- I really don’t want it to get infected or the tenderness get worse so I was going to put some antibiotic ointment on it.

3.Can I take ANTIBIOTICS while breastfeeding? - Trip to …

Url:https://triptomotherhood.com/antibiotics-while-breastfeeding

1 hours ago  · The indicator that the antibiotic can be taken while breastfeeding is its low penetration into breast milk, relatively rapid half-life, lack of toxicity to the baby and its safety for the growing organism. Antibiotics compatible with …

4.Antibiotics During Breastfeeding: What Are The Safest

Url:https://www.pregworld.org/antibiotics-during-breastfeeding/

17 hours ago  · Although most of the times antibiotics are allowed during breastfeeding (if the indication for their administration is clear), there are also restrictions because some of them can lead to: Miscarriage. Fetal malformations. Fetal death. Gastrointestinal, renal disorders, etc (after birth). Antibiotics That You Should Stay Away From

5.Antibiotics and Breastfeeding - The Breastfeeding Network

Url:https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/antibiotics/

24 hours ago Neosporin use while Breastfeeding. Important: Neosporin is a drug containing multiple ingredients. Please check each of the links below, where breastfeeding (lactation) information is available. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. Always consult your physician.

6.Neosporin use while Breastfeeding | Drugs.com

Url:https://www.drugs.com/breastfeeding/neosporin.html

22 hours ago If you have bought this medicine without a prescription and without prior consultation from a doctor or optometrist, it is important to check the following list. If you’re pregnant, think you’re pregnant, or are breastfeeding, tell your doctor. Don’t keep prescription eye ointment longer than 28 …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9