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

Nitrofurantoin

September 28, 2014 (Very Low Risk)

Excretion into breast milk is clinically non-significant with no side-effects observed among breastfed infants from treated mothers except rare cases of diarrhea.

Do not use while the infant is younger of two weeks of age or suffers of G-6-P dehydrogenase deficiency to avoid likelihood of hemolysis.

Be aware of false negative results that may be obtained from febrile infants with bacterial cultures when the mother is on antibiotics. Also, the possibility of developing diarrhea due to bacterial flora imbalance.

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

  • ニトロフラントイン
  • نيتروفورانتوئين
  • Нитрофурантоин
  • 呋喃妥因

Drug trade names

References

  1. Zao J, Koren G, Bozzo P. Using nitrofurantoin while breastfeeding a newborn. Can Fam Physician. 2014Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  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. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Mactal-Haaf C, Hoffman M, Kuchta A. Use of anti-infective agents during lactation, Part 3: Antivirals, antifungals, and urinary antiseptics. J Hum Lact. 2001Abstract
  5. Gerk PM, Kuhn RJ, Desai NS, McNamara PJ. Active transport of nitrofurantoin into human milk. Pharmacotherapy. 2001Abstract
  6. 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)
  7. 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
  8. Pons G, Rey E, Richard MO, Vauzelle F, Francoual C, Moran C, d'Athis P, Badoual J, Olive G. Nitrofurantoin excretion in human milk. Dev Pharmacol Ther. 1990Abstract
  9. Varsano I, Fischl J, Shochet SB. The excretion of orally ingested nitrofurantoin in human milk. J Pediatr. 1973Abstract
  10. Hosbach RH, Foster RB. Absence of nitrofurantoin from human milk. JAMA. 1967Abstract