Vancomycin use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Vancomycin: Vancocin, Vancocin HCl Pulvules, Vancocin HCl, Lyphocin
Vancomycin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Limited information indicates that vancomycin produces low levels in milk and it would not be expected to be absorbed or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. No special precautions are required.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. A single milk level of 12.7 mg/L was found 4 hours after the end of the infusion of vancomycin 1 gram intravenously given every 12 hours in one woman. Her peak and trough serum levels were 36.1 and 12.5 mg/L, respectively. The milk was obtained during the third trimester of pregnancy at a gestational age of about 35 to 38 weeks.[1] Using the serum level reported, an exclusively breastfed infant would receive 1.9 mg/kg daily by mouth in breastmilk. This dose is only about 4.8% of the oral vancomycin dose of 40 mg/kg daily used to treat pseudomembranous colitis in infants.
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. Reyes MP, Ostrea Jr. EM, Cabinian AE et al. Vancomycin during pregnancy: does it cause hearing loss or nephrotoxicity in the infant? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1989;161:977-81. PMID: 2801848
Vancomycin Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
1404-90-6
Drug Class
- Antiinfective Agents
- Antibacterial Agents
- Glycopeptides
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
394
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...
- Vancomycin use during Pregnancy
- Vancomycin 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.
