Is Oxytetracycline safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Oxytetracycline. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
No adverse effects were noted in an unspecified number of breastfed infants whose mothers were taking oral oxytetracycline 1.5 or 2 grams daily for 3 days. Ages of the infants and extent of breastfeeding were not stated.[ 2 ]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels . In an old study using a microbiologic assay, 5 women in the first week postpartum were given oxytetracycline in dosages ranging from 2 to 4 grams daily in single or divided doses. Oxytetracycline generally did not appear in milk for the first 24 hours. Concentrations then ranged from 0.25 to 1 mg/L until about a day following discontinuation of the drug.[ 1 ] In another old study using a microbiologic assay, milk oxytetracycline levels were in an unspecified number of nursing mothers at 9 am after various dosages of oxytetracycline during the previous days. Whether they had mastitis and the time postpartum were not stated. Milk levels increased to as high as 3 mg/L after a daily dose of 1.5 grams orally for 3 days. Milk levels increased to 3 mg/L after a daily dose of 2 grams orally for 3 days.[ 2 ] Two women were given 1.5 grams daily of oral oxytetracycline. Milk levels ranged from 0.7 to 1.1 mg/L with the peak occurring 7 hours after the dose. The authors estimated that a breastfed infant would receive 300 mcg daily of oxytetracycline in milk.[ 3 ] Infant Levels . Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: NIH LactMed (National Library of Medicine).
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.