2 months of Doxycycline while nursing my toddler

[rachaelrhart]

Hi there -

I've been struggling with Rosacea and acne post-partum, and my dermatologist would like me to take Doxycycline for two months.
My 20 month old is still nursing, but as she is almost 2 years old, she is only nursing for brief periods 1-2x a day.
Theoretically if I were to take the Doxycycline in the evening after she went to bed, there would be 16-23 hours in between the antibiotic dose and the next time she nursed.
Would the infrequent nursing lessen any adverse effects on my toddler if I were to take the antibiotic though she is still nursing just before bed time?

[Sandra]

rachaelrhart,

The use of doxycycline is not recommended for more than 3-4 weeks. The fact that your infant only nurses 1-2 times a day reduces the amount the baby is exposed to, but doxycycline has a long half-life of 15-25 hours. The medication would not be out of your system for 5-6 half-lives. So the risk of the medication does not exceed the benefit of breastfeeding in a 20 month old. I would suggest trying to wean before beginning this medication.

Sandra Lovato R.N.
InfantRisk Center
806-352-2519