Safe Medications to Treat Yeast Infections While Breastfeeding

One of the oldest and safest medications to take for the treatment of yeast infections is Nystatin. This medication comes in a cream and in oral form. It is also used most frequently to treat oral thrush and diaper-rash candida in babies, which are other forms of yeast infections. Mycostatin and GyneLotrimin, are also effective against yeast and may be preferable to using oral medication. Only a tiny bit of the active ingredient in these creams. Therefore, very little gets into her milk.

Nipple Yeast Infection

Diflucan (fluconazole) is a safe medication to take while breastfeeding. For the treatment of candida on the nipples, Mycostatin suspension is safe for breastfeeding mothers. If mother has a yeast infection on her nipples, the baby should be treated at the same time.

Non-Yeast Vaginal Infections

For certain non-yeast vaginal infections, your doctor may recommend the drug Flagyl (metronidazole). This medication is in the “safe to use, but with caution” category. Studies show that only a minimum amount of this drug enters the baby, even if given three times a day for ten days. However, because the safety of extended use of Flagyl has not yet been proven, the current recommendation is to give a single 2-gram dose and stop breastfeeding for twelve hours.

*Always consult your doctor before taking any new medications.

For more information, see The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning