Health Library Antibiotics for Mastitis While Breast-FeedingFrom Healthwise

Antibiotics eliminate infection by killing bacteria.

Antibiotics are used to treat a bacterial breast infection (mastitis) and are prescribed after a breast abscess is drained.

Treatment of breast infections with antibiotics usually is successful if the full prescription is taken. Treatment does not harm the breast-feeding baby.

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.
• Abdominal 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.)

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 with 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.

Other Works Consulted

• Newton ER (2002). Mastitis and breast abscess section of Physiology of lactation and breast-feeding. In SG Gabbe et al., eds., Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies, 4th ed., chap. 5, pp. 127–128. New York: Churchill Livingstone.

Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: January 17, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise 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.