Terbinafine is a prescription antifungal medication used to treat infections like toenail fungus (onychomycosis) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). If you are breastfeeding, you and your healthcare provider are likely concerned about whether it’s safe for your baby if you take terbinafine.
This article summarizes what is currently known about using terbinafine in lactation, so you can discuss this medication with your doctor with confidence.
Terbinafine and Breast Milk: What the Data Shows
Terbinafine does pass into breast milk. There have been studies that measured how much of the drug gets into human milk.
One study looked at milk drug levels after a mom took a single 500mg dose of terbinafine by mouth. The highest levels of the drug were in the milk in the first six hours. After 18 hours, the drug levels went way down and were hard to detect.
So, how much terbinafine does a baby get through breast milk?
It seems to be a pretty small amount. If a baby only got breast milk, they’d get about 3.8% of the dose that the mom got (when you adjust for their weight) over a full day.
It’s worth noting that animal studies have shown that the drug passes into milk at a much higher rate than human studies have shown. In animal studies, there was seven times more drug in the milk than in the blood.
Official recommendations and guidelines
Here’s the deal: some official medical sources advise against breastfeeding while you’re taking terbinafine tablets. This is because there’s a risk that the drug will pass into your breastmilk. If you have a choice, you may want to consider taking a different antifungal medicine while breastfeeding.
Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of staying on terbinafine. However, terbinafine in cream, gel, spray, or solution form, unlike the claims of some products like Blue Star Ointment, is unlikely to pass into your breast milk or cause side effects in your baby. So you can probably keep using the topical version while breastfeeding.
Monitoring and Potential Risks to the Infant
If you’re breastfeeding and taking terbinafine, you’ll need to monitor your baby for potential side effects. Be on the lookout for:
- Feeding issues
- Stomach upset
- Jaundice
- Rash
Pay special attention to any signs of liver toxicity, especially if your baby is exclusively breastfed or very young. LactMed specifically recommends watching for jaundice.
Keep in mind that older babies are less likely to experience side effects, as the amount of terbinafine in breastmilk is low, and older babies are less reliant on breastmilk for nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat fungal infection while breastfeeding?
Treating fungal infections during breastfeeding often involves topical antifungal medications, and understanding what to expect with different treatments, such as Forces of Nature Nail Fungus remedies, is important. Nystatin or miconazole creams are frequently recommended. It’s crucial to consult your doctor or a lactation consultant for personalized advice and to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
How do you treat tinea corporis while breastfeeding?
Tinea corporis (ringworm) during breastfeeding is usually treated with topical antifungal creams like clotrimazole or terbinafine. Apply the cream as directed by your doctor, ensuring the area is clean and dry. Avoid covering the treated area unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
How do you treat tinea corporis under the breast?
Treating tinea corporis under the breast requires gentle and effective antifungal options. Topical antifungal creams are generally the first line of defense. Keeping the area clean, dry, and well-ventilated is also essential. Consider using a clean cotton cloth to absorb moisture. Consult your doctor for the best treatment plan.
Is terbinafine safe during pregnancy?
Terbinafine’s safety during pregnancy is not definitively established. Due to potential risks, it’s generally avoided unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Always discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking terbinafine while pregnant.
Is terbinafine cream safe for babies?
While topical terbinafine has low systemic absorption, caution is advised when using it on babies. It’s best to consult with your pediatrician before applying terbinafine cream to a baby, especially on large areas of skin or for prolonged periods. They can recommend the most appropriate treatment for your child.
To Conclude
While infants are exposed to only low levels of terbinafine through breast milk, there are still potential risks. It’s important to talk with your doctor, midwife, health visitor, or pharmacist if you have concerns about taking terbinafine while breastfeeding.
The decision to use terbinafine during lactation should always be made on a case-by-case basis, weighing the potential benefits against the potential risks.