The Basics
What is Amoxicillin?
used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections etc
Brand names for Amoxicillin
Amoxil, Trimox, Moxilin, Moxatag
How Amoxicillin is classified
Anti-infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Penicillins
Amoxicillin During Pregnancy
Amoxicillin pregnancy category
Category Note 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 Amoxicillin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Amoxicillin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Amoxicillin?
Limited information indicates that amoxicillin produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally, rash and disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush, have been reported, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Amoxicillin is acceptable in nursing mothers. Amoxicillin powder for suspension reconstituted with breastmilk is absorbed as well as the powder reconstituted with water.[1]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that amoxicillin produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally, rash and disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush, have been reported, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Amoxicillin is acceptable in nursing mothers. Amoxicillin powder for suspension reconstituted with breastmilk is absorbed as well as the powder reconstituted with water.[1]
Possible effects of Amoxicillin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Amoxicillin
None listed
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. Yazdani-Brojeni P, Garcia-Bournissen F, Fujii H et al. Relative bioequivalence of amoxicillin dissolved in breast milk. Arch Dis Child. 2014;99:258-61. PMID: 24363363
2. Kafetzis DA, Siafas CA, Georgakopoulos PA et al. Passage of cephalosporins and amoxicillin into the breast milk. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981;70:285-8. PMID: 7246123
3. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M et al. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168:1393-9. PMID: 8498418
4. Campbell AC, McElnay JC, Passmore CM. The excretion of ampicillin in breast milk and its effect on the suckling infant. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1991;31:230p. Abstract. PMC: PMC1368401
5. Benyamini L, Merlob P, Stahl B et al. The safety of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefuroxime during lactation. Ther Drug Monit. 2005;27:499-502. PMID: 16044108
6. Goldstein LH, Berlin M, Tsur L et al. The safety of macrolides during lactation. Breastfeed Med. 2009;4:197-200. PMID: 19366316
7. Cherif F, El Aidli S, Kastalli S, Zaiem A, Moula HD, Lakhal M et al. Drug induced urticaria via breastfeeding. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2009;23 (Suppl 1):37. Abstract 203. DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1472-8206.2009.00689.x
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.
