Is Demeclocycline 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 Demeclocycline. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
A number of reviews have stated that tetracyclines are contraindicated during breastfeeding because of possible staining of infants’ dental enamel or bone deposition. However, available literature indicates that there is not likely to be harm in short-term use of demeclocycline during lactation because milk levels are low and absorption by the infant is inhibited by the calcium in breastmilk. Although the manufacturer recommends avoiding breastfeeding during administration of demeclocycline, short-term use of demeclocycline is probably acceptable in nursing mothers. As a theoretical precaution, avoid prolonged or repeat courses during nursing. Monitor the infant for rash and for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea or candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash).
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. In 9 women, colostrum levels of demeclocycline ranged from 50 mcg/L to 1 mg/L during a dosage regimen of oral demeclocycline 600 mg daily for 1 to 5 days. Low levels of the drug were detectable in milk for up to 6 days after discontinuation of the drug.[1]
Thirty-six women were studied after receiving oral demeclocycline 300 mg daily for 1 to 9 days after delivery. Demeclocycline was undetectable in milk after a single dose of 300 mg. After repeated doses, milk levels ranged from undetectable to 1.4 mg/L at various times after the dose.[1]
Using the data above, it is estimated that a breastfed infant would receive a maximum of 200 to 300 mcg daily.[1,2]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
“No published information” means the studies do not exist yet — not that Demeclocycline 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 “Demeclocycline” (LM81). 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.