A lot of women suffer from UTI (Urinary Tract Infections) or constant diarrhea while they are breastfeeding. And the perfect solution to this problem is the right of Bactrim that can help to relive the condition. However, the most commonly asked question is if it is safe or not! So, in this article we will discuss this more elaborately and you can get all the answers to your questions of worry.
Bactrim: What is it?
Bactrim is a combination of antibiotics, specifically trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. This majorly helps to treat a number of infections that are caused by bacteria. It simply works by putting a stop to the bacterial growth and thus, cures the bacterial infection.
Is It Safe while Breastfeeding?
Well, you need to be extra careful while using it if you are breastfeeding because it can easily pass into the breast milk in small amounts. This is because of the rise in the levels of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in the breast milk that increases to approximately 2% to 5% of the recommended dose for infants a day. Moreover, your baby is at a higher risk of kernicterus and bilirubin displacement if he/she is suffering from illness, jaundice, is stressed or premature. In such conditions, you must avoid taking Bactrim while breastfeeding.
Some of the other cases where you should avoid taking Bactrim are as follows:
- If you have had a history of low blood platelets due to trimethoprim
- If you are suffering from kidney or liver ailment
- History of anaemia due to folic acid deficiency
Therefore, you must consult your doctor before you begin to take Bactrim as he/she can give you a better advice, taking your medical history into consideration.
Benefits of Bactrim while Breastfeeding:
A number of bacterial infections can be treated with the help of Bactrim in nursing mothers. Some of these are as listed below:
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Bacteria such as E. coli, morganii, Morganella, Klebsiella, Proteus Mirabilis, Proteus Vulgaris can lead to Urinary Tract Infections. It helps in treating the symptoms of UTI like burning sensation while urinating, blood in the urine, cramps in the lower abdomen, frequent urination and foul-smelling urine. In order to prevent the risk of crystalluria, you must ensure adequate fluid intake and urinary output.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis can get deteriorated if it takes place due to Haemophilus influenza or Streptococcus pneumonia. Right dose of Bactrim can help to cure this ailment.
Diarrhea
Shigella sonnei infections, Shigella flexneri, traveller’s diarrhea, enterotoxigenic E. coli can result into diarrhea and dysentery. Bactrim can majorly relieve the moms from both these ailments.
Pneumonia
It can help to treat pneumonia that results due to Pneumocystis jiroveci and boost your immunity.
Ear infections
Ear infections are a result of bacteria like Haemophilus influenza and Streptococcus pneumonia. But to treat ear infections with Bactrim, you should first consult your doctor about the same.
Side effects of Bactrim while breastfeeding:
In case you go through any of these side effects on taking Bactrim while breastfeeding, it is recommended that you consult your doctor and seek immediate help. Some of the most common side effects of Bactrim while breastfeeding is as listed below:
- Nausea
- Hives
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Itchiness
- Stomach ache
Bactrim during pregnancy?
Although the risk of birth defects is apparently low but it is advised not to take Bactrim during pregnancy. There hasn’t been enough research on this subject but Bactrim can lead to increased risk of jaundice, especially in the late pregnancy, which can further possess the risk of brain damage in the new-borns.
Is it safe for the father to take sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim?
A combination of these antibiotics was found to decrease a man’s sperm count, if he has been taking it for a month. This means that lowered sperm count can affect your man’s ability to become father. However, there aren’t enough proven studies that can help to confirm if it can lead to any birth defects and generally, there isn’t any associated increased risk to a pregnancy if the father has been on these antibiotics.
Conclusion:
Although it is generally considered safe to take Bactrim for nursing moms but everyone’s body is different. For your safety, it is always the best to consult your doctor to confirm if the medication is right for you. More importantly, you should follow all the possible precautions that have been advised by your doctor because your little one’s health is directly related to your health, so you should be extra cautious.
