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Ceftazidime levels in human breast milk
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|March 1, 1983
Summary
This study measured ceftazidime levels in breast milk of postpartum women. Ceftazidime was found in breast milk at consistent levels throughout therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Lactation Studies
Background:
- Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.
- Antibiotic use during lactation requires understanding drug transfer into breast milk.
- Limited data exists on ceftazidime excretion into human breast milk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify ceftazidime concentrations in breast milk.
- To assess ceftazidime excretion patterns during maternal therapy.
Main Methods:
- Bioassay was used to determine ceftazidime levels.
- Eleven puerperal women received 2g of intravenous ceftazidime every 8 hours for 5 days.
- Milk samples were collected at various time points relative to dosing.
Main Results:
- Mean ceftazidime concentrations in breast milk were 3.8 ± 2.0 µg/ml (pre-dose), 5.2 ± 3.0 µg/ml (1 hour post-dose), and 4.5 ± 1.7 µg/ml (3 hours post-dose).
- Ceftazidime excretion remained relatively constant between days 2 and 4 of treatment.
- Individual patient data showed variability in milk concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Ceftazidime is excreted into breast milk following intravenous administration.
- Consistent excretion levels suggest predictable transfer during maternal treatment.
- Further research is needed to evaluate the clinical significance of these levels for nursing infants.