Long-term Macrobid/Macrodantin use

[Jamie]

Dr. Hale,
I am a registered nurse, but this question is for my personal use. I have had a chronic uti since my daughter was 6 weeks old. She is now 4 months old and exclusively breastfed. I have been on macrobid 4 times since she was 6 weeks old and have just been put on Macrodantin for a 6 months prophylactically. Are you aware of any infant risks from breastfeeding while on Macrodantin this long? Thank you!

[cpride]

Dear Jamie,

The main risk with antibiotic use, short and long term, would be changes in your infant's intestinal flora (normal bacteria found in the bowel). You should observe your infant for diarrhea. There are several factors in breastmilk that protect the breastfeeding infant from overgrowth of harmful bacteria that would reduce your infant's risk of adverse effects. You may also talk with your pediatrician about the use of probiotics.

Sincerely,
Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
TTUHSC InfantRisk Center