Antibiotics for Mastitis While Breast-Feeding
How It Works
Antibiotics eliminate infection by killing bacteria.
Why It Is Used
How Well It Works
Treatment of breast infections with antibiotics usually is successful if the full prescription is taken. Treatment does not harm the breast-feeding baby.
The side effects of penicillin-based antibiotics, such as dicloxacillin, are rare. If they occur, they usually are mild and include:
The side effects of cephalosporin antibiotics, such as cephalexin, are rare. If they occur, they usually are mild and include:
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
The entire supply of antibiotics prescribed should be taken, even after symptoms of the infection have cleared up.
Resistant bacteria have become more common causes of infections. If your mastitis is caused by a resistant strain of bacteria, the first treatment with an antibiotic may not cure it. Some women who have mastitis may need a second treatment with a different antibiotic.
eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2014 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.