Oxytetracycline

Derived from tetracycline with similar action and indications.
Systemic oral administration (4 times a day) and also intramuscular.
Topical dermatological, gynecological and ophthalmological administration.

It is excreted in breastmilk in insignificant amounts (Gruner 1955, Ottolenghi 1952).
The intestinal absorption by the infant is greatly diminished by the formation of non-absorbable chelates with dairy calcium (Lactmed 2015, Mitrano 2009, Chin 2001).
No problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were taking it (Gruner 1955).

The possible negativity of cultures in febrile infants whose mothers take antibiotics should be taken into account, as well as the possibility of gastroenteritis due to alteration of the intestinal flora (Ito 1993).

The American Academy of Pediatrics considers tetracycline to be usually compatible with breastfeeding (AAP 2001).

The small dose and low plasma absorption of most topical ophthalmological and dermatological preparations make its transfer in significant amounts into breastmilk even more unlikely.

Alternatives

• Tetracycline (Very Low Risk)