Is Cefazolin compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Cefazolin?

Cefazolin

October 15, 2016 (Very Low Risk)

First-generation cephalosporin for injection or parenteral administration.

Like most cephalosporins for which data are available, excretion occurs in breast milk in very small amount and it is clinically insignificant (Fukada 1973, Yoshioka 1979, Zhang 1997).

Cephalosporins are widely used in the Pediatric practice with a good tolerance, even in the neonatal period, so it is very unlikely that in small amounts through milk would be a cause of problems in the infant.

Be aware of the possibility of false negative results of cultures in febrile infants whose mothers are taking antibiotics as well as the possibility of gastroenteritis (Ito 1993) by altering the intestinal flora.

American Academy of Pediatrics: Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Cefazolin since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Cephazolin

Drug trade names

References

  1. Rowe H, Baker T, Hale TW. Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):275-94. 2013Abstract
  2. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Xu Z. [Tissue and body fluid distribution of antibacterial agents in pregnant and lactating women]. Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi. 1997Abstract
  5. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M, Eliopoulos C, Koren G. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993Abstract
  6. Fulton B, Moore LL. Antiinfectives in breastmilk. Part I: Penicillins and cephalosporins. J Hum Lact. 1992Abstract
  7. Yoshioka H, Cho K, Takimoto M, Maruyama S, Shimizu T. Transfer of cefazolin into human milk. J Pediatr. 1979Abstract
  8. Fukada M. Studies on chemotherapy during the perinatal period with special reference to such derivatives of cephalosporin C as cefazolin, cephaloridine and cephalothin. Jpn J Antibiot. 1973Abstract