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

Cefixime

July 31, 2016 (Very Low Risk)

This is a third generation Cephalosporin.

At latest update relevant data on excretion into breast milk were not found. On other type of Cephalosporin for which there is available information, excretion into breast milk is therapeutically non-significant.

Cephalosporin is commonly used in Pediatrics, even in neonates, with a good tolerance, which may be a reason to think that the presence of small amounts in the milk would not represent any harm to the child.

Be aware of the possibility of false negative results of bacterial cultures done to infants when the mother is on antibiotics, together with a higher risk of diarrheal disease due to imbalance of intestinal flora.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Cefixime 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.

Writings

  • Κεφιξίμη (Greek)
  • سيفيكسيم (Arabic)
  • Цефиксим (Cyrillic)
  • 头孢克肟 (Chinese)
  • セフィキシム (Japanese)
  • C16H15N5O7S2,3H2O (Molecular formula)

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. Bar-Oz B, Bulkowstein M, Benyamini L, Greenberg R, Soriano I, Zimmerman D, Bortnik O, Berkovitch M. Use of antibiotic and analgesic drugs during lactation. Drug Saf. 2003Abstract
  3. Fulton B, Moore LL. Antiinfectives in breastmilk. Part I: Penicillins and cephalosporins. J Hum Lact. 1992Abstract
  4. Barré J. [Pharmacokinetic properties of cefixime]. Presse Med. 1989Abstract
  5. Faulkner RD, Fernandez P, Lawrence G, Sia LL, Falkowski AJ, Weiss AI, Yacobi A, Silber BM. Absolute bioavailability of cefixime in man. J Clin Pharmacol. 1988Abstract
  6. Brittain DC, Scully BE, Hirose T, Neu HC. The pharmacokinetic and bactericidal characteristics of oral cefixime. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1985Abstract