Is Miconazole 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 Miconazole. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Because miconazole has poor absorption from the skin and vagina and has poor oral bioavailability, it is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant, including after topical application to the nipples. However, miconazole ointment appears to have no advantage over lanolin for treating sore nipples during breastfeeding and a survey of members of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine found topical miconazole is rarely prescribed to nursing mothers to treat thrush.[1,2] Any excess cream or ointment should be removed from the nipples before nursing. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[3]
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
In a randomized, double-bind trial, lanolin was compared to an all-purpose nipple ointment containing mupirocin 1%, betamethasone 0.05%, and miconazole 2% for painful nipples while nursing in the first 2 weeks postpartum. The two treatments were equally effective in reducing nipple pain, nipple healing time, breastfeeding duration, breastfeeding exclusivity rate, mastitis and nipple symptoms, side effects or maternal satisfaction with treatment.[1]
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Miconazole” (LM368). 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.