Is it safe to take metronidazole while breastfeeding?

[mahaliha]

Had a large breast abscess drained 3 times last week. I'm allergic to penicillin so was given a one week course of clindamycin. Since the last draining last Thursday the abscess has refilled a bit (but is smaller than it was originally), is no longer painful and I no longer feel fluey.

The clinic have recommended I take a course of metronidazole as, although the clindamycin has worked to some extent, it hasn't eliminated the abscess. However, they have told me I absolutely must NOT breastfeed while taking metronidazole and have left it up to me whether to take it or not. I decided not to take it as I was feeling better on clindamycin and I don't want to stop breastfeeding, however I have now finished the clindamycin today.

I'm due to go back to the clinic tomorrow, where I'm sure they'll drain off the remaining abscess and hopefully it won't refill. Do you think I should just ask for another course of clindamycin? Also has anyone taken metronidazole and kept breastfeeding? From what I've read it is safe to keep nursing, but I don't want to go against medical advice.

Many thanks!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Don't know sorry but if you give the BFN Drugline a call they will be able to tell you.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

[TruthSweet]

mahaliha,

Here is what LactMed database had to say about metronidazole. At the bottom of the page it does have alternate drugs to metronidazole listed so may be ask for one of those?

[TruthSweet]

And yes call the BFN drugline as suggested by JJJ!

[edeluna]

My c-section wound re-opened after the stitches were removed, which landed me (and six-day-old baby) in hospital for four days. I was put on metronidazole and I asked every doctor, midwife and nurse I saw if it was safe for breastfeeding. They assured me it was and the obstetrician said it was approved for pediatric use/safe for BF mothers. So I'm surprised your clinic said otherwise. Was it a doctor you spoke with?

My family in the US freaked out when they heard I was on antibiotics and still BFing because for many years you were advised not to BF if on antibiotics. My MIL then spoke with a cousin who's a doctor and he assured her that metronidazole was safe.

The hotline in the previous post looks like a good resource to try, just to make sure and put your mind at rest.

[wrigglerstea]

It is ok to BF on metronidazole but it does have a tendency to make the milk quite bitter, to the point that some babies refuse it.

[sleepdodger]

I was prescribed it post birth no probs just bitter milk, my greedy ds wasn't put off!

[mahaliha]

Thanks everyone, will speak to them about it today, good to know it's safe to take while bf!