Question

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

Chloramphenicol (topical use) lactation summary

Chloramphenicol (topical use) usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Chloramphenicol (topical use) is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Chloramphenicol (topical use) may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Chloramphenicol (topical use) may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Chloramphenicol (topical use) low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Chloramphenicol (topical use) We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to 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 Chloramphenicol (topical use) usage in lactation

Topically used to treat cutaneous, eye and ear infections. The small dose used and poor plasma uptake of most topical ophthalmic and dermal preparations make it very unlikely that a significant amount would pass into breast milk.Plasma levels after topical application on skin are 1000 times lower than those observed after systemic administration (Fluhr 1998).Possible absorption following ophthalmologic administration could be minimized by following appropriate ophthalmologist instructions (eg finger-compression on the tear sac at the internal eye’s corner for one minute after application of drops)Even after been taken systemically (orally or parenterally), the excretion into breastmilk is poor, which would impede the development of neonatal gray syndrome. Do not apply on the chest to prevent the infant from ingesting it. Otherwise, apply it after a breast feeding and clean it up thoroughly with water before the next feeding.

Alternate Drugs for Antibiotics and chemotherapeutics for dermatological, topical use. ATC D06

Erythromycin(Low Risk)
Mupirocin(Safe)
Fusidic Acid(Safe)
Bacitracin-Zinc(Safe)
Clindamycin Topical(Safe)
Gramicidin(Safe)
Nitrofural(Safe)
Silver Nitrate(Safe)
Sulfadiazine Silver(Low Risk)
Sulfanilamide(Safe)
Sulfathiazole(Low Risk)
Tyrothricin(Safe)
Fusafungine(Safe)
Erythromycin (topical use)(Safe)
Sulfacetamide(Safe)
Framycetin Sulfate(Safe)
Norsulfazole(Low Risk)
Silver Sulfadiazine(Low Risk)
Sulfacetamide Sodium(Safe)
Sulphanilamide(Safe)
Pseudomonic Acid(Safe)
Furacilin(Safe)
Furacilinum(Safe)
Nitrofurazone(Safe)
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.