Is Cefotaxime Sodium compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Cefotaxime Sodium?

Cefotaxime Sodium

October 15, 2016 (Very Low Risk)

Third-generation cephalosporin for injection or parenteral administration.

Like most cephalosporins for which data are available, excretion occurs in breast milk in very small or undetectable amount and it is clinically insignificant (Kafetzis 1980-1981, Takase 1982, Cho 1982, Yasuda 1982, Matsuda 1984).

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.

Tne American Academy of Pediatrics classifies it as a medication usually compatible with breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Cefotaxime Sodium 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

  • Κεφοταξίμη νατριούχος (Greek)
  • Натрий Цефотаксим (Cyrillic)
  • セフォタキシムナトリウム (Japanese)
  • C16H16N5NaO7S2 (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. 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. Scott A, Forsyth S. Breast feeding and antibiotics. Mod Midwife. 1996Abstract
  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. Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy Perinatol. 1984Abstract
  8. Yasuda J, Yamamoto T, Ito M, Honjo H, Okada H, Kanao M. [Fundamental and clinical studies on cefotaxime in the perinatal period]. Jpn J Antibiot. 1982Abstract
  9. Cho N, Fukunaga K, Kunii K. [A study of clinical application of cefotaxime in the perinatal period]. Jpn J Antibiot. 1982Abstract
  10. Takase Z, Fujiwara M, Kohmoto Y, Seto M, Shirafuji H. [Study of cefotaxime in the perinatal period]. Jpn J Antibiot. 1982Abstract
  11. Kafetzis DA, Siafas CA, Georgakopoulos PA, Papadatos CJ. Passage of cephalosporins and amoxicillin into the breast milk. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981Abstract
  12. Kafetzis DA, Lazarides CV, Siafas CA, Georgakopoulos PA, Papadatos CJ. Transfer of cefotaxime in human milk and from mother to foetus. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1980Abstract