Medication for vaginal yeast infection: Safe while breastfeeding?
Is over-the-counter medication for a yeast infection safe for breastfeeding moms?
Question:Debbi Donovan
Debbi Donovan is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader. For more than a decade, Debbi... Read more
Commonly recommended treatments for vaginal yeast infections, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, are often prescribed by healthcare providers during lactation.
Clotrimazole and miconazole are not well absorbed through the vagina. (Only 3 to 10% for clotrimazole and 1% for miconazole.) It is not likely that this limited absorption of these medications would cause significant levels in a mother's milk. (Hale 2000)
Since this mother has a vaginal yeast infection I would also like to mention to her to be watchful of other signs of thrush, such as nipple soreness, white plaques in her baby's mouth, or a "yeast" diaper rash. If this occurs, it is recommended that both mom and baby be treated simultaneously for at least two weeks with an antifungal medication.
Reference:
Hale, T. Medications and Mother's Milk, 2000, Pharmasoft Publishing, Amarillo, (2000) pp 163,
Answer:
