Ceftriaxone use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Ceftriaxone: Rocephin, Rocephin IM Convenience Kit
Ceftriaxone Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Ceftriaxone is acceptable to use during breastfeeding. Limited information indicates that maternal doses of ceftriaxone of 1 gram produce low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally, disruption of the infant's gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush, has been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Following administration of a 1 gram dose of ceftriaxone intramuscularly or intravenously on day 3 postpartum to 20 women, peak milk levels averaged about 0.7 and 0.5 mg/L, respectively.[1] Peaks occurred about 4 hours after the dose and fell very slowly over 24 hours with half-lives of 13 to 17 hours. The amounts in milk represent an infant dosage of about 0.5% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. The infant would be expected to ingest only a few milligrams of ceftriaxone per day with usual doses.
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. Kafetzis DA, Brater DC, Fanourgakis JE et al. Ceftriaxone distribution between maternal blood and fetal blood and tissues at parturition and between blood and milk postpartum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1983;23:870-3. PMID: 6311089
Ceftriaxone Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
73384-59-5
Drug Class
- Antiinfective Agents
- Antibacterial Agents
- Cephalosporins
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
57
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2012-03-01
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...
- Ceftriaxone use during Pregnancy
- Ceftriaxone 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.
