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

Clindamycin

March 22, 2018 (Low Risk)

Lincosamide antibacterial.

Excreted in non-significant level into breast milk. Except for few cases of enterocolitis due to disturbance of intestinal flora no other harm effects have been shown in breastfed infants. All cases spontaneously cured after discontinuation of medication.

One reported case (1980) of pseudomembrane colitis in an infant whose mother was on clindamicin and gentamicin.

Be aware of the possibility of false negative results of febrile infant bacterial cultures when the mother is on antibiotics and diarrheal disease due to intestinal flora imbalance.

The American Academy of Pediatrics rates it as compatible with breastfeeding.

Alternatives

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

  • Clindamycin Hydrochloride
  • Clindamycin Palmitate Hydrochloride
  • Clindamycin Phosphate

Writings

  • Κλινδαμυκίνη (Greek)
  • كلينداميسين (Arabic)
  • Клиндамицин (Cyrillic)
  • 克林霉素 (Chinese)
  • クリンダマイシン (Japanese)
  • C18 H33 ClN2 O5 S (Molecular formula)
  • Methyl 6-amino-7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-N-[(2S,4R)-1-methyl-4-propylprolyl]-1-thio-l-threo-d-galacto-octopyranoside (Chemical name)
  • D10AF01; G01AA10; J01FF01 (ATC Code/s)

Drug trade names

References

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  10. Chin KG, McPherson CE 3rd, Hoffman M, Kuchta A, Mactal-Haaf C. Use of anti-infective agents during lactation: Part 2--Aminoglycosides, macrolides, quinolones, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and metronidazole. J Hum Lact. 2001Abstract
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  14. Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy Perinatol. 1984Abstract
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  16. Mann CF. Clindamycin and breast-feeding. Pediatrics. 1980Abstract
  17. Smith JA, Morgan JR, Rachlis AR, Papsin FR. Clindamycin in human breast milk. Can Med Assoc J. 1975Abstract Full text (in our servers)