It is recommended to breastfeed exclusively for six months and then while introducing to other food sources extend it to twelve months. In this duration most mothers will need help of some sort of medication, It could be for short term like could and flue or it could be something chronic like Arthritis or Diabetes and here comes the question of safety of medication in use. In this post we will figure out what is Acyclovir Ointment and whether its safe to use Acyclovir Ointment while nursing or not.
What is Acyclovir Ointment used for?
Acyclovir ointment 5% is indicated in the management of initial genital herpes and in limited non-life-threatening mucocutaneous Herpes simplex virus infections in immunocompromised patients.
Is Acyclovir Ointment usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?
As per our analysis Acyclovir Ointment contains only one ingredient and that is Acyclovir. We have analyzed Acyclovir and it seems to be safe to use Acyclovir while breastfeeding, that means usage of Acyclovir Ointment shall be safe while breastfeeding. Below you can check more details of Acyclovir usage in breastfeeding. We recommend you to go through provided detailed analysis as below take decision accordingly.
Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topically applied acyclovir is excreted in breast milk. Systemic exposure following topical administration is minimal. After oral administration of Acyclovir ointment 5%, acyclovir concentrations have been documented in breast milk in 2 women and ranged from 0.6 to 4.1 times the corresponding plasma levels. These concentrations would potentially expose the nursing infant to a dose of acyclovir up to 0.3 mg/kg per day. Nursing mothers who have active herpetic lesions near or on the breast should avoid nursing.
Acyclovir Ointment Breastfeeding Analsys
SafeCAS Number: 59277-89-3
Antiviral very active against herpes simplex and zoster-varicella.Intravenous, oral and topical (dermatological and ophthalmological) administration.Authorized use in newborns and infants. It is excreted in breast milk in clinically insignificant amounts, much lower than the dose used in newborns and infants (Drake 2012, Bork 1995, Taddio 1994, Don 1991, Meyer 1988, Lau 1987), and no problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were taking acyclovir (Taddio 1994). There is not systemic absorption of topical Acyclovir. List of WHO essential medicines: compatible with breastfeeding (WHO / UNICEF 2002).American Academy of Pediatrics: medication usually compatible with breastfeeding (AAP 2001).
Acyclovir Ointment Breastfeeding Analsys - 2
CAS Number: 59277-89-3
Even with the highest maternal dosages, the dosage of acyclovir in milk is only about 1% of a typical infant dosage and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Topical acyclovir applied to small areas of the mother's body away from the breast should pose no risk to the infant. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[1]

What if I already have used Acyclovir Ointment?
Acyclovir Ointment is safe in breastfeeding and should not create any health problem for your baby but in case you feel any health issue associated with Acyclovir Ointment you should contact your doctor or health care provider. Be it pregnancy or lactation you shall keep your doctor informed.
I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Acyclovir Ointment, is it safe?
Usage of Acyclovir Ointment is safe for nursing mothers and baby, No worries.
If I am using Acyclovir Ointment, will my baby need extra monitoring?
No
Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Acyclovir Ointment in breastfeeding?
US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday
UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700
Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week