Is Tetracycline II Safe in Breastfeeding

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Tetracycline II? Is Tetracycline II safe for nursing mother and child? Does Tetracycline II extracts into breast milk? Does Tetracycline II has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Tetracycline II influence milk supply or can Tetracycline II decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Excreted into breast milk in quantities that would be clinically significant, however, intestinal absorption by infant's gut is hampered because of formation of chelating products by union with the milk's calcium. No side-effect found among breastfed infants from treated mothers. Plasma levels in those infant were low or undetectable. Long-term treatments (over 3-4 weeks) as for treatment of acne may cause damage to the growth cartilage, teeth discoloration and imbalance of intestinal flora. Thus, a safer alternative should be looked at. (See acne) Be aware of false negative results that may be obtained from infants with bacterial cultures when the mother is on antibiotics. The American Academy of Pediatrics has rated it (2001) as compatible with breastfeeding.

A number of reviews have stated that Tetracycline II is contraindicated during breastfeeding because of possible staining of infants' dental enamel or bone deposition of Tetracycline IIs. However, a close examination of available literature indicates that there is not likely to be harm in short-term use of Tetracycline II during lactation because milk levels are low and absorption by the infant is inhibited by the calcium in breastmilk. Short-term use of Tetracycline II is acceptable in nursing mothers. As a theoretical precaution, avoid prolonged or repeat courses during nursing. Monitor the infant for rash and for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea or candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash).

No adverse effects were noted in an unspecified number of breastfed infants whose mothers were taking oral Tetracycline II 1, 1.5 or 2 grams daily for 3 days. Ages of the infants and extent of breastfeeding were not stated.[1] In one study, 5 infants breastfed during maternal therapy with Tetracycline II 500 mg 4 times daily with no adverse effects observed.[2] In an observational study of 251 women, 23.8% of nursing mothers received Tetracycline II during breastfeeding. No gross adverse effect occurred in any of the breastfed infants.[4] Although it is often stated that Tetracycline IIs are to be avoided during lactation because of tooth staining, this adverse effect has never been reported after exposure via breastmilk. Milk calcium may inhibit absorption of the small amounts of Tetracycline IIs in milk.