Levofloxacin

Is the S-isomer of ofloxacin, fluoroquinolone with bactericidal effect by inhibition of bacterial DNA synthesis.
Oral or intravenous administration once a day.

It is excreted in breast milk in an amount that could be significant, although lower than the dose used in the pediatric population (Cahill 2005).
No problems attributable to Ofloxacin have been observed in infants whose mothers took it (Drobac 2005).

Structurally similar Quinolone-related medication has been used in neonates and infants without known side effects (Newby 2017, Dutta 2006, Belet 2004, Drossou 2004, Chin 2001, van den Oever 1998, Gürpinar 1997). There are excreted tiny amounts into breast milk and absorption through the child’s gut may be interfered by calcium in the milk (Fleiss 1992, Neuvonen 1991).

Should it be prescribed to a nursing mother Norfloxacine, Ofloxacine and Ciprofloxacine are to be chosen since they have shown a lowest excretion into the milk (Butler 2014).

The possibility of transient gastroenteritis due to alteration of the intestinal flora in infants whose mothers take antibiotics should be taken into account (Briggs 2017, Ito 1993).

Expert authors consider acceptable the use of this medication during breastfeeding (Hale, Lactmed, Briggs 2015).

Unreasonably prolonged or repetitive use of antibiotics is harmful to health.
Due to the publication of reports of serious or potentially serious side effects in patients treated with fluoroquinolones, several health authorities propose restricting their indiscriminate outpatient use and reserving them for certain serious diseases (EMA 2018, FDA 2016, Arbex 2010).

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OPHTHALMIC USE:
The small dose and poor plasma uptake of most topical ophthalmologic preparations make it very unlikely that significant amounts will pass into breast milk, so ophthalmic use would be compatible with breastfeeding.

See below the information of this related product:

• Ofloxacin (Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)