Is Ceftizoxime 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 Ceftizoxime. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Ceftizoxime is no longer marketed in the US. Limited information indicates that ceftizoxime 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 cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Ceftizoxime is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. After a single 1 gram intravenous dose of ceftizoxime in 2 women, milk levels ranged from 0.31 to 0.43 mg/L from 2 to 8 hours after the dose. The peak milk level occurred at 2 hours after the dose in one and 6 hours after the dose in the other.[1]
Five women were given 1 gram of ceftizoxime intravenously. Average peak milk levels of 0.39 mg/L occurred 3 hours after the dose, although individuals had peak levels ranging from 0.31 mg/L at 3 hours after the dose to 0.83 mg/L at 6 hours after the dose. Four of the women had undetectable milk levels by 6 hours after the dose.[2]
In six women given 1 gram of ceftizoxime intravenously, average milk levels were 0.25 mg/L 1 hour after the dose.[3]
After a single 1 gram intravenous dose in 2 women, ceftizoxime milk levels were measurable only 4 hours after the dose and averaged 0.1 mg/L.[4]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
“No published information” means the studies do not exist yet — not that Ceftizoxime is known to be harmful, and not that it is known to be safe. Your prescriber or pharmacist can weigh your baby's age and whether a better-studied alternative would do the same job. Worth asking before stopping a medicine you need.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Ceftizoxime” (LM56). 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.