Is Septra Safe for Breastfeeding Women?
It is not clear if
Septra® (
sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) is a good choice for breastfeeding women. Therefore, be sure to ask your healthcare provider about the possible risks and benefits before taking Septra while breastfeeding. Septra is a prescription antibiotic often used to treat
urinary tract infections (
UTIs) and other types of infections.
What Does the Research Say?
Research has shown that Septra passes through breast milk. Although the prescribing information for the medication clearly states that breastfeeding women should never take Septra, many other sources consider the medication to be compatible with breastfeeding (especially with healthy, full-term infants).
There is some concern that Septra may increase the risk of jaundice (and theoretically kernicterus, brain damage caused by severe jaundice), so breastfeeding mothers of premature, ill, or jaundiced infants should avoid Septra. Mothers of infants with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency should also avoid Septra, as Septra could cause hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) in the infant.
As with the use of most antibiotics while breastfeeding, it is a good idea to watch for certain possible side effects in your child. Look for stomach upset (especially
diarrhea), thrush, and
diaper rash, which are all possible side effects due to a disruption of the normal "good" bacteria.
