Amoxicillin, also spelled as Amoxycillin, is an antibiotic made from penicillin. It is either used alone or in combination with clavulanic acid and is taken in various forms, including tablets, powder, and syrup. The World Health Organization has categorized it as an important medicine. Amoxicillin is mainly prescribed for treating infections, such as strep throat, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis, caused by the streptococcus bacteria and other bacterial infections such as pneumonia and UTI. However, it can also be used to relieve symptoms of various health conditions, ranging from skin infections to urinary tract infections. In breastfeeding mothers, amoxicillin is also prescribed for mastitis (1). But since the medicine passes through the bloodstream into the milk, the baby might also feed on it. Therefore, it is important to understand how amoxicillin affects the baby if the mother consumes the medicine. Read this post to understand the safety of amoxicillin during breastfeeding, its side effects, and things you can do to reduce the risk of the medicine.
Is Amoxicillin Safe While Breastfeeding?
Amoxicillin is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and research shows no change in the health of the nursing infant when the mother is on a dosage (2). The medicine is counted among the safest antibiotics for a lactating mother (3). However, it is not entirely free of potential side effects, just like other medications.
Does Amoxicillin Pass Through Breast Milk?
Amoxicillin passes into the breast milk just like any other chemical compound present in the mother’s bloodstream. The peak level of amoxicillin in breast milk is found between four and six hours after a single dose of 1g consumed by the mother. The amount of drug present in breast milk can vary depending on the woman’s body. The average levels of amoxicillin usually found in breast milk are 0.5 mg/ml at four hours, 0.81mg/ml at five hours, and 1.64 mg/ml at six hours (4).
Side Effects Of Amoxicillin In Breastfed Babies
Though the side effects of amoxicillin are not widespread and have a low probability of occurrence, it is useful to know how a baby could be affected by the drug:
Diarrhea Bloody stools Skin hives Constant sleepiness or drowsiness Excessive colic due to stomach pain with general irritability
Interestingly, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and other side effects are similar to what a mother or any other individual could have on consuming amoxicillin (5). Infants can show other subtle side effects such as a change in feeding and sleeping schedule. If you observe these side effects in the baby or sense something is wrong, then take him to the doctor. Also, find out from your doctor if you should stop taking amoxicillin. However, it is important to ascertain that these symptoms have appeared only after the mother’s use of amoxicillin.
Why Does Amoxicillin Cause Side effects In Breastfeeding Babies?
The side effects are caused due to the active compound penicillin, which is derived from the Penicillium fungus, a living organic matter. The baby’s immune system may mistake penicillin to be a pathogen and mount an attack, which is manifested through the symptoms like diarrhea and rashes. The immune system develops an antibody for penicillin to attack it effectively the next time, thus resulting in an allergy. (6). Amoxicillin is often combined with a compound called clavulanic acid when made into an oral liquid or a solid tablet. One study has found higher instances of side effects in babies whose mothers consumed a mixture of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid than in those whose mothers were given amoxicillin alone (5). However, there is no conclusive research on the effects of clavulanic acid, and it cannot be said for sure that it is the real reason behind the side effects (6).
Is Amoxicillin Still Safe For A Breastfeeding Baby?
Yes, amoxicillin is safe, even in combination with clavulanic acid, since its side effects on breastfeeding baby are infrequent and not long-lasting. Research has found that the notable side effects in breastfeeding infants are drowsiness and diarrhea, which resolve without medical intervention and do not harm the infant (7). A study, which found isolated incidents of side effects, has concluded that amoxicillin is safe for lactating mothers (8). Therefore, we conclude that amoxicillin is safe for breastfeeding babies. Amoxicillin is considered a safe option for infants with upper respiratory tract infections, with or without Clavulanic acid. No matter how safe a medicine is, you should never take it without a doctor’s prescription. And when you are taking the drug, you can take some measures to mitigate the risk of side effects on the breastfeeding infant.
How To Mitigate The Risk Of Amoxicillin Side Effects In Babies?
Make sure that the chances of side effects are zero. Follow these measures:
