Antibiotic (Tetracycline)
PREGNANCY RECOMMENDATION: Contraindicated in 2nd and 3rd Trimesters
BREASTFEEDING RECOMMENDATION: Compatible
PREGNANCY SUMMARY
Tetracyclines are known human teratogens. See Tetracycline.
BREASTFEEDING SUMMARY
Chlortetracycline is excreted into breast milk. Eight patients were given 2–3 g orally/day for 3–4 days (1). Average maternal and milk concentrations were 4.1 and 1.25 mcg/mL, respectively, producing a milk:plasma ratio of 0.4. Infant data were not given.
Theoretically, dental staining and inhibition of bone growth could occur in breastfed infants whose mothers were consuming chlortetracycline. However, this theoretical possibility seems remote because in infants exposed to a closely related antibiotic, tetracycline, serum levels were undetectable (<0.05 mcg/mL) (2). The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies tetracycline as compatible with breastfeeding (3). Three potential problems may exist for the nursing infant, even though there are no reports in this regard: modification of bowel flora, direct effects on the infant, and interference with the interpretation of culture results if a fever workup is required.
References
1.Guilbeau JA, Schoenbach EB, Schuab IG, Latham DV. Aureomycin in obstetrics; therapy and prophylaxis. JAMA 1950;143:520–6.
2.Posner AC, Prigot A, Konicoff NG. Further observations on the use of tetracycline hydrochloride in prophylaxis and treatment of obstetric infections. In: Antibiotics Annual 1954-55. New York, NY: Medical Encyclopedia, 1955:594–8.
3.Committee on Drugs, American Academy of Pediatrics. The transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics 2001;108:776–89.