Can I Take AZO While Breastfeeding?

BY KATIE CLARK, IBCLC

Many women find themselves in the predicament of whether or not to take Azo while breastfeeding. We’ll go over all of this and more below!

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to be knowledgeable about the medications that could potentially harm your baby. One medication that has been found to have an adverse effect on a fetus’s development is Aza-tretinoin (Aza).

What is AZO?

Azo is a commonly prescribed medication to help treat a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

It is an over-the-counter medication to help relieve pain, burning, and the constant need to pee.

Is AZO safe to take while breastfeeding?

No, AZO is not a safe medication to take while breastfeeding.

AZO can actually end up in your breastmilk which is not ideal for your baby. For this reason, many physicians recommend that their female patients stop taking AZO while they are pregnant and when they are breastfeeding.

Azo belongs to the class of medicines called sulfonamides and can cause severe side effects in infants who are breastfed.

It can cause methemoglobinemia (a condition where too much methemoglobin is produced) , sulfhemoglobinemia (a disorder in which it is impossible for the red blood cells to transport oxygen, and hemolytic anemia (which causes red blood cells to be destroyed faster than they can be made) which are not safe for breastfeeding babies. (source)

Furthermore, there have not been enough studies to determine that taking AZO is safe while breastfeeding deeming it unsafe to take at this time.

If you are suffering from UTIs, the best course of treatment is typically antibiotics. There are quite a few antibiotics that are compatible with breastfeeding, so this is probably a better course of action.

As always, please work with your trusted medical provider about your specific situation. Infant Risk is also a great resource!

New to breastfeeding? Need a refresher for a second baby? Make sure you signup for “The Complete Online Breastfeeding Class“. This on demand class is designed to help you meet your breastfeeding goals.

Other articles you may enjoy:

Facebook
Twitter
Email
Print

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome ToThe Breastfeeding Mama

Hi! I’m Katie Clark – mom of three and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Over the past eight years, I’ve dedicated my life to helping thousands of breastfeeding moms around the world overcome their breastfeeding problems and find peace in their journey. I can’t wait to help you!