Levofloxacin use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Levofloxacin: Levaquin, Levaquin Leva-Pak, Quixin, Iquix
Levofloxacin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Levofloxacin is the S-enantiomer of the fluoroquinolone, ofloxacin. Fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin have traditionally not been used in infants because of concern about adverse effects on the infants' developing joints. However, recent studies indicate little risk.[1][2] The calcium in milk might prevent absorption of the small amounts of fluoroquinolones in milk,[3] but insufficient data exist to prove or disprove this assertion. Short-term use of levofloxacin is acceptable in nursing mothers. Avoiding breastfeeding between 4 to 6 hours after a dose should decrease the exposure of the infant to levofloxacin in breastmilk. Maternal use of an eye drop that contains levofloxacin presents negligible risk for the nursing infant.
Drug Levels
Levofloxacin is the levo isomer of the racemic drug mixture, ofloxacin.
Maternal Levels Ten lactating women (time postpartum not stated) were given the racemic mixture, ofloxacin, 400 mg orally every 12 hours for 3 doses. Milk ofloxacin was measured after the third dose. The highest levels averaging 2.4 mg/L occurred 2 hours after the dose. Average milk levels then fell as follows: 1.9 mg/L at 4 hours; 1.25 mg/L at 6 hours; 0.64 mg/L at 9 hours; 0.29 mg/L at 12 hours; and 0.05 mg/L at 24 hours after the dose.[4] Using the peak milk level data from this study, an exclusively breastfed infant would receive an estimated maximum of 0.36 mg/kg daily with this maternal dosage regimen.
One woman was given levofloxacin 500 mg daily intravenously for 9 days, then orally for 17 days. Twenty-six breastmilk samples were obtained beginning on day 10 of therapy and continued for 6 days after the discontinuation of therapy. A pharmacokinetic model that was developed predicted that a peak milk level of 8.2 mg/L would occur 5 hours after the dose. The milk levels fell with an estimated half-life of 7 hours. Traces of levofloxacin were still detectable in breastmilk 65 hours after the dose. The authors calculated that an exclusively breastfed infant whose mother was taking 500 mg daily would receive 1.25 mg daily in breastmilk which is far below the dose of levofloxacin used in children.[5]
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.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
References
1. Gurpinar AN B, Balkan E, Kilic N et al. The effects of a fluoroquinolone on the growth and development of infants. J Int Med Res. 1997;25:302-6. PMID: 9364293
2. van den Oever HL, Versteegh FG, Thewessen EA et al. Ciprofloxacin in preterm neonates: case report and review of the literature. Eur J Pediatr. 1998;157:843-5. PMID: 9809826
3. Fleiss PM. The effect of maternal medications on breast-feeding infants. J Hum Lact. 1992;8:7. Letter. PMID: 1558663
4. Giamarellou H, Kolokythas E, Petrikkos G et al. Pharmacokinetics of three newer quinolones in pregnant and lactating women. Am J Med. 1989;87(suppl 5A):49S-51S. PMID: 2589384
5. Cahill JB Jr, Bailey EM, Chien S et al. Levofloxacin secretion in breast milk: a case report. Pharmacotherapy. 2005;25:116-8. PMID: 15767227
Levofloxacin Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
100986-85-4
Drug Class
- Antiinfective Agents
- Antibacterial Agents
- Quinolones
- Fluoroquinolones
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
157
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2011-01-04
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...
- Levofloxacin use during Pregnancy
- Levofloxacin ophthalmic use during Pregnancy
- Levofloxacin Drops Consumer Information
- Levofloxacin 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.
