Last update: Oct. 15, 2016

Cephalexin

Very Low Risk for breastfeeding


Safe. Compatible.
Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.

First-generation cephalosporin. Oral administration.

Like most cephalosporins for which data are available, excretion occurs in breast milk in very small amount and it is clinically insignificant (Kafetzis 1981, Matsuda 1984, Ilett 2006).

Cephalosporins are widely used in the Pediatric practice with a good tolerance, even in the neonatal period, so it is very unlikely that in small amounts through milk would be a cause of problems in the infant.

Be aware of the possibility of false negative results of cultures in febrile infants whose mothers are taking antibiotics as well as the possibility of gastroenteritis (Ito 1993) by altering the intestinal flora.

Cephalexin is not excreted in significant amount into breast milk (Kafetzis 1981, Matsuda 1984, Ilett 2006).

Be aware of false negative bacterial cultures in the infant when the mother is on antibiotics. Also, diarrheal disease due to imbalance of intestinal flora is possible (Ito 1993, Benyamini 2005). A case of a mother reportedly treated with Cephalexine and Probenecid occurred (Ilett 2006).

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Cephalexin since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Cephalexin is also known as Cefalexin. Here it is a list of alternative known names::


Cephalexin in other languages or writings:

Group

Cephalexin belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Cephalexin in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 95 %
Molecular weight 365 daltons
Protein Binding 10 - 15 %
VD 0,25 l/Kg
Tmax 1 hours
T1/2 0,9 - 1,3 hours
M/P ratio 0,01 - 0,1 -
Theoretical Dose 0,08 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 0,45 %
Relat.Ped.Dose 0,08 - 0,2 %

References

  1. Amir LH; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #4: Mastitis, Revised March 2014. Breastfeed Med. 2014;9(5):239-243. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Butler DC, Heller MM, Murase JE. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: Part II. Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Mar;70(3):417.e1-10; quiz 427. Abstract
  3. Amir LH. y el Comité de protocolos de la Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Protocolo clínico de la ABM n.o 4: Mastitis, modi cado en marzo de 2014. Breastfeed Med. 2014;9(5):239-243. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Kong YL, Tey HL. Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation. Drugs. 2013 Abstract
  5. Rowe H, Baker T, Hale TW. Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):275-94. Abstract
  6. Cabou A, Babineau S, St Anna L. Clinical inquiry: what's the best way to relieve mastitis in breastfeeding mothers? J Fam Pract. 2011 Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  7. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Jahanfar S, Ng CJ, Teng CL. Antibiotics for mastitis in breastfeeding women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Abstract
  9. Spencer JP. Management of mastitis in breastfeeding women. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM clinical protocol #4: mastitis. Revision, May 2008. Breastfeed Med. 2008 Abstract
  11. Ilett KF, Hackett LP, Ingle B, Bretz PJ. Transfer of probenecid and cephalexin into breast milk. Ann Pharmacother. 2006 Abstract
  12. Benyamini L, Merlob P, Stahl B, Braunstein R, Bortnik O, Bulkowstein M, Zimmerman D, Berkovitch M. The safety of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefuroxime during lactation. Ther Drug Monit. 2005 Abstract
  13. Bar-Oz B, Bulkowstein M, Benyamini L, Greenberg R, Soriano I, Zimmerman D, Bortnik O, Berkovitch M. Use of antibiotic and analgesic drugs during lactation. Drug Saf. 2003 Abstract
  14. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M, Eliopoulos C, Koren G. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993 May;168(5):1393-9. Abstract
  15. Fulton B, Moore LL. Antiinfectives in breastmilk. Part I: Penicillins and cephalosporins. J Hum Lact. 1992 Abstract
  16. Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy Perinatol. 1984;5(2):57-60. Abstract
  17. Kafetzis DA, Siafas CA, Georgakopoulos PA, Papadatos CJ. Passage of cephalosporins and amoxicillin into the breast milk. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981 Abstract

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