Is Bacampicillin safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Bacampicillin. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Limited information indicates that bacampicillin produces low levels in milk that are 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. Bacampicillin is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Bacampicillin is rapidly converted to ampicillin. Some adverse reactions from ampicillin have been reported. An uncontrolled observation of the breastfed infants of mothers taking ampicillin noted a seeming increase in cases of diarrhea and candidiasis that was attributed to ampicillin in breastmilk.[2]
In a prospective follow-up study, 5 nursing mothers reported taking ampicillin (dosage unspecified). One mother reported diarrhea in her infant. No rashes or candidiasis were reported among the exposed infants.[3]
A small, controlled, prospective study had mothers monitor their infants for signs of adverse effects (furring of the tongue, feeding difficulties, changes in stool frequency and consistency, diaper rash, and skin rash). Weight change and the development of jaundice were also recorded. No statistical differences in these parameters were found between the infants of the control mothers and those of mothers taking ampicillin.[4]
Naproxen possibly caused prolonged bleeding time, thrombocytopenia and acute anemia in one 7-day-old infant in a mother also taking bacampicillin.[5] The role of bacampicillin in this reaction is unknown.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Only traces of drug could be detected in breastmilk after a 500 mg oral dose of bacampicillin in 2 women.[1]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Bacampicillin” (LM23). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.