Urgent (ie tonight 10/12): is Cefalexin OK while BF?

[5goldrings4MONKEYBIRDs]

Oh god, I think I'm getting cystitis - again: I'm really prone to it and get it very badly and very quickly. i go from a slight twinge to on the floor peeing blood within a couple of hours...

As a consequence I have a supply of Cefalexin in the house which my GP usually overprescribes for me each time I get it so I can have quick access... I also have another antibiotic called Cit...something or other, I'd have to go and look.

But as I've never had it while Bf, I don't know if it's OK... does anyone else, either with medical background or experience of taking it?

And secondly, given my history, would it work or do any harm to take one or two as a prophylactic dose (I'm not sure if AB's work like this?!)

I've also had bad thrush last baby round while BF so I only want to take ABs when I really really have to... when the cystitis gets to full-blown, I really REALLY have to, and no amount of drinking lots of water, bottle-washing, emptying bladder in the shower etc can help (though I'd be grateful for any other tips you might have...)

And would ibuprofen help as an anti-inflammatory as a preventative thing?

sorry to go on but really worried and just panicking that if I don't head it off, I'll be too out of it to feed anyway....

Cefalexin is fine whilst breastfeeding.

If you get recurrent urine infections small dose every day as prophylaxis is common...but I'd speak with your GP first.

Cranberry capsules some folk find helpful at preventing recurrent infections.

thanks hairycaterpillar,

I've taken 500mg just now (2 tablets) and depending how it goes will either take another 500mg in 6 hours or 250mg in 12 hours based on what it says on the packet... (unless anyone wishes to advise otherwise?)

Will go to GP in morning to discuss prophylactic idea but I know exactly which two or three of the risk factors that usually come together and cause it played their part this time (just got a bit forgetful about what I'm supposed to do!)

Does anyone know if ibuprofen would actively help if it is cystitis - I'm assuming that's OK while BF?