The Basics
What is Cefpodoxime?
Used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as bronchitis; pneumonia; gonorrhea; and infections of the skin, ear, sinuses, throat, tonsils, and urinary tract.
Brand names for Cefpodoxime
Vantin
How Cefpodoxime is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Cephalosporins
Cefpodoxime During Pregnancy
Cefpodoxime pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Cefpodoxime while pregnant
N/A
Taking Cefpodoxime While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Cefpodoxime?
Limited information indicates that cefpodoxime produces low levels in milk and is not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefpodoxime is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that cefpodoxime produces low levels in milk and is not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefpodoxime is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Cefpodoxime on milk supply
Hyperprolactinemia and bilateral galactorrhea occurred in a nonpregnant, 40-year-old woman taking cefpodoxime 200 mg twice daily for 2 days. Seven days after stopping the drug, galactorrhea ceased and the serum prolactin dropped markedly into the normal range. One month later it had dropped further. Because no other cause could be found, the authors determined that the galactorrhea and hyperprolactinemia were probably caused by cefpodoxime.[1]
The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Cefpodoxime
Ceftibuten.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Khurana V, Gambhir IS. Cefpodoxime-induced hyperprolactinemic galactorrhea. Ann Intern Med. 2010;152:136. Letter. PMID: 20083845
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
