Amikacin use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Amikacin: Amikin, Amikin Pediatric

Amikacin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Amikacin is poorly excreted into breastmilk. Newborn infants apparently absorb small amounts of other aminoglycosides, but serum levels with typical three times daily dosages are far below those attained when treating newborn infections and systemic effects of amikacin are unlikely. Older infants would be expected to absorb even less amikacin. Because there is little variability in the milk amikacin levels during multiple daily dose regimens, timing breastfeeding with respect to the dose is of little or no benefit in reducing infant exposure. Data are not available with single daily dose regimens. Monitor the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea, candidiasis (e.g., thrush, diaper rash) or rarely, blood in the stool indicating possible antibiotic-associated colitis.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Two women were given a single dose of 100 mg amikacin intramuscularly, and milk levels were measured at 2 and 6 hours after the dose. Only trace levels were detected. In one woman on amikacin therapy, the peak amikacin milk level was 1.5 mg/L 2.5 hours after a 100 mg dose by injection.[1]

Two women were given a single 200 mg dose of amikacin intramuscularly and milk levels were measured hourly for 6 hours. They had only trace levels in milk 6 hours after the dose.[2]

A woman given a single dose of amikacin 100 mg intramuscularly had undetectable milk amikacin levels 1 and 2 hours after the dose and only trace amounts in milk at 4 and 6 hours after the dose.[3]

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible Effects on Lactation

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1. Matsuda S, Mori S, Tanno M, Kashiwagura T. [Evaluation of amikacin in the obstetric and gynecologic field]. Jpn J Antibiot. 1974;27:633-6. PMID: 4617009

2. Yuasa M. Evaluation of amikacin in gynecological and obstetric field. Jpn J Antibiot. 1974;27:377-81. PMID: 4612187

3. Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy Perinatol. 1984;5:57-60. PMID: 6743732

Amikacin Identification

Substance Name

Amikacin

CAS Registry Number

37517-28-5

Drug Class

• Antibacterial Agents
• Antiinfective Agents
• Aminoglycosides

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

8

Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.

Last Revision Date

2012-10-02

Disclaimer

Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

See Also...

• Amikacin use during Pregnancy
• Amikacin Consumer Information
• Breastfeeding Support Group
• Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
• Medicine use while Breastfeeding
• Medicine use during Pregnancy

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy.