Question

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

Polymyxine B lactation summary

Polymyxine B is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Polymyxine B is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Polymyxine B is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Polymyxine B does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Polymyxine B safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Polymyxine B usage in lactation

Antibiotic drug that is usual topically used (Dermatology, ENT and Ophthalmology) At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found. The small dose and low absorption to the plasma in a majority of preparations that are topically used on the eye, ear or skin make a significant excretion into the milk unlikely. Its high molecular weight makes less probable an excretion into breast milk in significant amount. Due to a poor oral bioavailability, appearance in the infant's plasma from ingested milk is regarded as nil or scanty, except in premature infants or during the immediate neonatal period who may show an increased intestinal absorption. Polymyxin E or Colistin with a very similar molecular structure is excreted into breast milk in non-significant amount. It is advisable to avoid the application of creams, gels and other products for local use that would contain paraffin (mineral oil) to prevent absorption by the infant.

Answer by DrLact: About Polymyxine B usage in lactation

Because it is poorly absorbed after topical application, Polymyxine B is considered a low risk to the nursing infant.[1] Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2]

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Cefdinir(Safe)
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Cefazolin(Safe)
Gatifloxacin(Low Risk)
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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. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.