Antibiotics for Mastitis While Breast-Feeding
Examples Back to top
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| cephalexin | Keflex |
| dicloxacillin |
Why It Is Used Back to top
Antibiotics are used to treat a bacterial breast infection (mastitis) and are prescribed after a breast abscess is drained.
How Well It Works Back to top
Treatment of breast infections with antibiotics usually is successful if the full prescription is taken. Treatment does not harm the breast-feeding baby.
Side Effects Back to top
The side effects of penicillin-based antibiotics, such as dicloxacillin, are rare. If they occur, they usually are mild and include:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Intestinal gas.
- Loose stools or diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and itching.
The side effects of cephalosporin antibiotics, such as cephalexin, are rare. If they occur, they usually are mild and include:
- Diarrhea.
- Belly pain.
- Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and itching.
- Vaginal yeast infection.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About Back to top
The entire supply of antibiotics prescribed should be taken, even after symptoms of the infection have cleared up.
Resistant bacteria have become more common causes of infections. If your mastitis is caused by a resistant strain of bacteria, the first treatment with an antibiotic may not cure it. Some women who have mastitis may need a second treatment with a different antibiotic.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits Back to top
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Revised | January 10, 2012 |
Last Revised: January 10, 2012
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.








