The Basics
What is Nafcillin?
A penicillin used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria.
Brand names for Nafcillin
Nafcillin Injection
How Nafcillin is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Penicillins
Nafcillin During Pregnancy
Nafcillin pregnancy category
Category N/ANote 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 Nafcillin while pregnant
Reproduction studies have been performed in the mouse with oral doses up to 20 times the human dose and orally in the rat at doses up to 40 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the rodent fetus due to nafcillin. There are, however, no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, nafcillin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Taking Nafcillin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Nafcillin?
Although no information is available on the use of nafcillin during breastfeeding, penicillins are generally not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with penicillins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Nafcillin is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although no information is available on the use of nafcillin during breastfeeding, penicillins are generally not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with penicillins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Nafcillin is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Nafcillin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Nafcillin
Dicloxacillin, Oxacillin, Methicillin.
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/None listed
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.
