Ceftizoxime use while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Ceftizoxime is no longer marketed in the US. Limited information indicates that ceftizoxime produces 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 have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Ceftizoxime is acceptable in nursing mothers.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. After a single 1 gram intravenous dose of ceftizoxime in 2 women, milk levels ranged from 0.31 to 0.43 mg/L from 2 to 8 hours after the dose. The peak milk level occurred at 2 hours after the dose in one and 6 hours after the dose in the other.[1]

Five women were given 1 gram of ceftizoxime intravenously. Average peak milk levels of 0.39 mg/L occurred 3 hours after the dose, although individuals had peak levels ranging from 0.31 mg/L at 3 hours after the dose to 0.83 mg/L at 6 hours after the dose. Four of the women had undetectable milk levels by 6 hours after the dose.[2]

In six women given 1 gram of ceftizoxime intravenously, average milk levels were 0.25 mg/L 1 hour after the dose.[3]

After a single 1 gram intravenous dose in 2 women, ceftizoxime milk levels were measurable only 4 hours after the dose and averaged 0.1 mg/L.[4]

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.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

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

References

1.

Motomura R, Kohno M, Mori H, et al. Basic and clinical studies of ceftizoxime in obstetrics and gynecology. Chemotherapy (Tokyo) 1980;28 (Suppl 5):888-99.

2.

Takase Z, Inoue K, Shirafuji H, et al. Clinical and laboratory studies on ceftizoxime (CZX) in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Chemotherapy (Tokyo) 1980;28 (Suppl. 5):863-73.

3.

Gerding DN, Peterson LR. Comparative tissue and extravascular fluid concentrations of ceftizoxime. J Antimicrob Chemother 1982;10 (Suppl C):105-16. [PubMed: 6295995]

4.

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

Substance Name

Ceftizoxime

CAS Registry Number

68401-81-0

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Anti-Infective Agents

Antibacterial Agents

Cephalosporins