infections

Last reviewed 01/2018

Most antibiotics are safe during breast feeding, but the following should be avoided:

  • sulphonamides: if younger than two weeks of age because of the risk of kernicterus; if glucose-6-phosphate deficiency because of the risk of haemolysis
  • tetracyclines
  • chloramphenicol
  • clindamycin

Infestations:

  • Trichomonal infestations can be treated with oral metronidazole, 200mg tds; if this fails to eradicate, a single oral dose of 2 grams may be given provided breast feeding is stopped for at least one day
  • threadworms and roundworms: combination therapy with piperazine and sennosides; 2 doses are given separated by 14 days with cessation of breast feeding in the day following the drugs