Metronidazole Lotion while Breastfeeding

Q: I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Metronidazole Lotion , is it safe?

Usage of Metronidazole Lotion is safe for nursing mothers and baby, No worries.

There are high number of clear evidence that breastfeeding provides best nutrition that you can give to your baby. It is also evident that lactation is good for mothers health as well. Evolution has designed breastfeeding in a way that it caters all nutritional need of your child. However modern medicine is quite new for evolution, that is why mothers body is not well prepared to filter unnecessary chemical found in medicines. It becomes a necessity to figure out which drug is safe and which drug is dangerous for your newborn while nursing. In this article we will understand function of Metronidazole Lotion and its suitability with breastfeeding.

What is Metronidazole Lotion used for?

Metronidazole topical lotion is indicated for topical application in the treatment of inflammatory papules and pustules of rosacea. CLINICAL STUDIES A controlled clinical study was conducted in 144 patients with moderate to severe rosacea, in which metronidazole topical lotion was compared with its vehicle. Applications were made twice daily for 12 weeks during which patients were instructed to avoid spicy foods, thermally hot foods and drinks, alcoholic beverages, and caffeine. Patients were also provided samples of a soapless cleansing lotion and, if requested, a moisturizer. Metronidazole topical lotion was significantly more effective than its vehicle in mean percent reduction of inflammatory lesions associated with rosacea and in the investigator's global assessment of improvement. The results of the mean percent reduction in inflammatory lesion counts from baseline after 12 weeks of treatment and the investigators' global assessment of improvement at week 12 are presented in the following table: Efficacy Outcomes at Week 12 Mean Percent Reduction in Inflammatory Lesion Counts from Baseline Metronidazole Topical Lotion N=65 Vehicle Lotion N=60 55% 20% Investigators' Global Assessment of Improvement (percent change from baseline) Worse No Change Minimal Improvement Definite Improvement Marked Improvement Clear Metronidazole Topical Lotion N=65 5% 12% 11% 32% 32% 8% Vehicle Lotion N=60 15% 27% 23% 15% 20% 0% The scale is based on the following definitions: Worse: Exacerbation of either erythema or quantitative assessment of papules and/or pustules. No Change: Condition remains the same. Minimal Improvement: Slight improvement in the quantitative assessment of papules and/or pustules, and/or slight improvement in erythema. Definite Improvement: More pronounced improvement in the quantitative assessment of papules and/or pustules, and/or more pronounced improvement in erythema. Marked Improvement: Obvious improvement in the quantitative assessment of papules and/or pustules, and/or obvious improvement in erythema. Clear: No papules or pustules and minimal residual or no erythema.

Is Metronidazole Lotion usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Metronidazole Lotion safe for breastfeeding

Active ingredient in Metronidazole Lotion is Metronidazole and based on our analysis of Metronidazole it appears that using Metronidazole Lotion is safe in breastfeeding. Below is analysis of Metronidazole while breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
Nursing Mothers After oral administration, metronidazole is secreted in breast milk in concentrations similar to those found in the plasma. Even though blood levels are significantly lower with topically applied metronidazole than those achieved after oral administration of metronidazole, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Metronidazole Lotion Breastfeeding Analsys

Metronidazole while Breastfeeding

Safe

CAS Number: 443-48-1

Excreted into breast milk in a non-significant clinical amount. Not problems on breastfed infants of treated mothers were found. Plasma levels were low or undetectable in those infants. For a mother's dose of 400 mg three times-a-day, the intake of a breastfed infant would be less than 10% of the usual daily pediatric dose, whenever the breast-feed is done within 2-3 hours of mother's intake. Widely used for treatment of Giardia lamblia infections, even in small infants, without adverse effects reported. Metronidazole may produce a red discoloration of corporal fluids and bitter flavor of the milk with no harm effect on the child.

Metronidazole Lotion Breastfeeding Analsys - 2

Metronidazole while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 443-48-1

With maternal intravenous and oral therapy, breastfed infants receive metronidazole in doses that are less than those used to treat infections in infants, although the active metabolite adds to the total infant exposure. Plasma levels of the drug and metabolite are measurable, but less than maternal plasma levels. Case reports of candidal infections and diarrhea have been reported, and a comparative trial suggested that oral and rectal colonization with might be more common in infants exposed to metronidazole. Neither topical nor vaginal metronidazole have been studied during breastfeeding. After vaginal administration, plasma levels are less than 2% of those after a 500 mg oral dose. After topical administration, blood levels are about 1% of the peak plasma levels after a 250 mg oral dose. 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] Because of the well demonstrated genotoxicity and mutagenicity in bacteria, carcinogenicity in animals, and possible mutagenicity in humans,[2][3] concern has been raised about exposure of healthy infants to metronidazole via breastmilk.[4] The relevance of these findings has been questioned and no definitive study has yet been performed in humans.[3][5] Opinions vary among experts on the advisability of using metronidazole during longer-term therapy while breastfeeding, but some sources recommend discontinuing breastfeeding for 12 to 24 hours after single-dose maternal treatment.[4][6] Other drugs are available for some conditions that metronidazole is used to treat. Topical or vaginal use of metronidazole during breastfeeding is unlikely to be of concern, although the manufacturer of one vaginal product recommends not breastfeeding during treatment and for 2 days after the last dose.

What should I do if I am breastfeeding mother and I am already exposed to Metronidazole Lotion?

As usage of Metronidazole Lotion is mostly safe while breastfeeding hence there should not be any concern. In case of any change in behavior or health of your baby you should inform your health care provider about usage of Metronidazole Lotion else no further action is required.

I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Metronidazole Lotion, is it safe?

Usage of Metronidazole Lotion is safe for nursing mothers and baby, No worries.

If I am using Metronidazole Lotion, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Metronidazole Lotion 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