Breastfeeding Problems

Drug contraindications

The following drugs can be given to mothers who are breastfeeding:

• antibiotics: penicillins, cephalosporins, trimethoprim
• endocrine: glucocorticoids (avoid high doses), levothyroxine*
  • (the BNF advises that the amount is too small to affect neonatal hypothyroidism screening)
• epilepsy: sodium valproate, carbamazepine
• asthma: salbutamol, theophyllines
• psychiatric drugs: tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics (* clozapine should be avoided)
• hypertension: beta-blockers, hydralazine
• anticoagulants: warfarin, heparin
• digoxin

The following drugs should be avoided:

• antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, sulphonamides
• psychiatric drugs: lithium, benzodiazepines
• aspirin
• carbimazole
• methotrexate
• sulfonylureas
• cytotoxic drugs