Doxycycline while breastfeeding for Swine flu

[HappySeven]

Sorry, I know people have asked about antibiotics in the past and I have tried searching but I can't find the link to "safe drugs" I've seen before.

I've had swine flu since Christmas Day. I saw the doctor on Thursday who said that at the time my chest sounded ok but he gave me a prescription to get made up if my breathing got worse. I think it is worse today so my DH has gone to collect it and now I see it says "do not take if breastfeeding". I definitely mentioned breastfeeding to my GP (I commented that ironically my baby has thrown it off better than me) but I wonder if he forgot. Obviously with the bank holiday I can't ring him and check.

As it happens I was only feeding dd 3 times a day (she's 8 months) and after this week this has fallen to 1-2 times but I really don't want to give up entirely yet. I only have to take the antibiotics once a day so I was wondering about taking them after her evening feed to minimise transfer to her.

Has anyone got any experience of this or any advice?

Doxycycline is part of the tetracycline family so if any does pass over to her it will affect her developing adult teeth.

Doxycycline is contra-indicated as malaria prophylaxis when breastfeeding. I don't know if that means it should never be taken, but the pack advice you quote sounds as if that's the case.

I suggest you don't take them and ring NHS Direct to get help from someone who you will know to be qualified.

Thank you to both of you. I'll ring in the morning.

I've been doing some more looking up: this AB is completely contraindicated for pregnancy and BF. Nurseblade is spot on; it disfigures teeth for life.

Do not take.

Bugger. I wish he'd paid attention when prescribing - he even said "yes, breastfeeding will reduce the length of time she is ill" so it's not like he didn't hear me.

Just found this kellymom which doesn't give Doyycycline but does mention tetracyclines and seems to suggest it would be ok. I think I'll ring in the morning to be sure though.

Ok - I have had a look in Hales, and it doesn't appear to be dangerous to the baby but there is a risk of teeth staining and inhibited bone growth.

It says that short term use is not contraindicated, but given what it says, I would avoid, as there will be alternatives available.

Hello!! Antibiotics do not work on viral infections so why are you thinking of taking them anyway(!)?

Hello, witch6. I agree they don't work on viral infections but the implication was that if my breathing got worse it had become a bacterial infection on my chest and I was to take them. I wish it wasn't a bank holiday and I could check with the GP but then if it weren't my DH wouldn't be around to help and I'm not sure I could cope on my own. (I'm dreading Tuesday!)

Why don't you get an appointment with the OOH GP who could listen to your chest and tell you if you need ABs and then prescribe appropriately if required?...
( COI: am a GP)

Thanks, witch6. The GP on Thursday gave me the prescription "if your breathing gets worse" and I had thought I should take them and not bother the service anymore but I think you're right. I keep hoping I'll feel better soon but it's been 9 days and I seem to be getting worse.