Why It Is Used
Antibiotics are used to treat a bacterial breast infection (mastitis) and are prescribed after a breast abscess is drained.
How Well It Works
Treatment of breast infections with antibiotics usually is successful if the full prescription is taken. Treatment does not harm the breast-feeding baby.
Side Effects
The side effects of penicillin-based antibiotics, such as dicloxacillin, are rare. If they occur, they usually are mild and include:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Intestinal gas.
- Loose stools or diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and itching.
The side effects of cephalosporin antibiotics, such as cephalexin, are rare. If they occur, they usually are mild and include:
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and itching.
- Vaginal yeast infection.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
The entire supply of antibiotics prescribed should be taken, even after symptoms of the infection have cleared up.
Resistant bacteria have become more common causes of infections. If your mastitis is caused by a resistant strain of bacteria, the first treatment with an antibiotic may not cure it. Some women with mastitis may need a second treatment with a different antibiotic.
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References
Other Works Consulted
Newton ER (2002). Mastitis and breast abscess section of Physiology of lactation and breast-feeding. In SG Gabbe et al., eds., Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies, 4th ed., chap. 5, pp. 127–128. New York: Churchill Livingstone.
Credits
| Author | Bets Davis, MFA |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | January 17, 2008 |
