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

Tetracycline

July 21, 2017 (Very Low Risk)

Excreted into breast milk in quantities that would be clinically significant, however, intestinal absorption by infant's gut is hampered because of formation of chelating products by union with the milk's calcium.

No side-effect found among breastfed infants from treated mothers. Plasma levels in those infant were low or undetectable.

Long-term treatments (over 3-4 weeks) as for treatment of acne may cause damage to the growth cartilage, teeth discoloration and imbalance of intestinal flora. Thus, a safer alternative should be looked at. (See acne)

Be aware of false negative results that may be obtained from infants with bacterial cultures when the mother is on antibiotics.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has rated it (2001) as compatible with breastfeeding.


See below the information of this related product:
  • Acne (Very Low Risk)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Tetracycline 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.

Synonyms

  • テトラサイクリン
  • تيتراسيكلين
  • τετρακυκλίνη
  • Тетрациклин
  • 四环素

Drug trade names

References

  1. Butler DC, Heller MM, Murase JE. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: Part II. Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014Abstract
  2. Kong YL, Tey HL. Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation. Drugs. 2013Abstract
  3. Rowe H, Baker T, Hale TW. Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):275-94. 2013Abstract
  4. ASGE Standard of Practice Committee, Shergill AK, Ben-Menachem T, Chandrasekhara V, Chathadi K, Decker GA, Evans JA, Early DS, Fanelli RD, Fisher DA, Foley KQ, Fukami N, Hwang JH, Jain R, Jue TL, Khan KM, Lightdale J, Pasha SF, Sharaf RN, Dominitz JA, Cash BD. Guidelines for endoscopy in pregnant and lactating women. Gastrointest Endosc. 2012Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Fluhr JW, Degitz K. [Antibiotics, azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide in topical acne therapy]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010Abstract
  6. Mitrano JA, Spooner LM, Belliveau P. Excretion of antimicrobials used to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections during lactation: safety in breastfeeding infants. Pharmacotherapy. 2009Abstract
  7. Worret WI, Fluhr JW. [Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2006Abstract
  8. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute technical review on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Niebyl JR. Antibiotics and other anti-infective agents in pregnancy and lactation. Am J Perinatol. 2003Abstract
  10. 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)
  11. 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
  12. 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)
  13. Spencer J. Use of systemic tetracyclines in women who are lactating. Am Fam Physician. 1998Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  14. Fulton B, Moore LL. Antiinfectives in breastmilk. Part II: Sulfonamides, tetracyclines, macrolides, aminoglycosides and antimalarials. J Hum Lact. 1992Abstract
  15. [No authors listed] Is maternal tetracycline use compatible with breastfeeding? J Hum Lact. 1991Abstract
  16. Prakash O, Mathur GP, Kushwaha KP, Singh YD. Drug exposure in pregnant and lactating mothers in periurban areas. Indian Pediatr. 1990Abstract
  17. Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy Perinatol. 1984Abstract
  18. Peterson CK. Tetracycline's effects on teeth preclude uses in children and pregnant or lactating women. Postgrad Med. 1984Abstract
  19. Hendeles L, Trask PA. Tetracycline and lactation. J Am Dent Assoc. 1983Abstract
  20. Morganti G, Ceccarelli G, Ciaffi G. [Comparative concentrations of a tetracycline antibiotic in serum and maternal milk]. Antibiotica. 1968Abstract
  21. GRAF H, RIEMANN S. [Studies on the concentration of pyrrolidinomethyltetracycline in human milk]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 1959Abstract
  22. KONICOFF NG, POSNER AC, PRIGOT A. Tetracycline in obstetric infections. Antibiot Annu. 1955Abstract
  23. Gruner JM. [The excretion of terramycin and tetracycline in human milk]. Geburtshilfe Frauenheld (in: Lactmed 2015). 1955Abstract