Question

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

Nalidixinic acid lactation summary

Nalidixinic acid usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Nalidixinic acid is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Nalidixinic acid may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Nalidixinic acid may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Nalidixinic acid low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Nalidixinic acid 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 Nalidixinic acid usage in lactation

Hemolysis in an infant with glucose-6-phophate dehydrogenasa deficiency has been described. Avoid its use in patients suffering this disorder. Cases of drug-induced intracraneal hypertension have been reported when given to the infant. Norfloxacin would be a better option because of its lower secretion into breast milk on those cases when the use of fluorquinolones would be necessary.

Answer by DrLact: About Nalidixinic acid usage in lactation

Limited information indicates that maternal doses of Nalidixinic acid up to 2 grams daily produce low levels in milk and would usually not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants with monitoring of the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea or candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash). Nalidixinic acid should be avoided while breastfeeding a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient infant. Other agents are preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Nalidixinic acid Side Effects in Breastfeeding

Decreased weight gain, pallor, jaundice occurred in a 16-day-old infant probably caused by hemolytic anemia induced by maternal use of Nalidixinic acid orally 1 gram four times daily and amobarbital 65 mg orally three times daily. The infant developed jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, reticulocytosis, eosinophilia, Heinz bodies and other signs of hemolysis 7 days after its mother was started on Nalidixinic acid. No G-6-PD deficiency or hemoglobin Zurich could be demonstrated.[1]

Alternate Drugs

Nalidixic Acid(Low Risk)
Methenamine(Unsafe)
Kanamycin(Safe)
Cefaclor(Safe)
Nalidixic Acid(Low Risk)
Nafcillin(Safe)
Iodine(Unsafe)
Cefprozil(Safe)
Gatifloxacin(Low Risk)
Aztreonam(Safe)
Moxifloxacin(Low Risk)
Mupirocin(Safe)
Cefoxitin(Safe)
Enoxacin(Low Risk)
Methicillin(Low Risk)
Cefotetan(Safe)
Doxycycline(Low Risk)
Erythromycin(Low Risk)
Methenamine(Unsafe)
Clindamycin(Low Risk)
Ofloxacin(Safe)
Demeclocycline(Low Risk)
Amikacin(Safe)
Cefixime(Safe)
Cefepime(Safe)
Lomefloxacin(Low Risk)
Cefdinir(Safe)
Neomycin(Safe)
Capreomycin(Low Risk)
Cefazolin(Safe)
Ertapenem(Safe)
Levofloxacin(Low Risk)
Gatifloxacin(Low Risk)
Moxifloxacin(Low Risk)
Enoxacin(Low Risk)
Ofloxacin(Safe)
Lomefloxacin(Low Risk)
Levofloxacin(Low Risk)
Nalidixic Acid(Low Risk)
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.