Can you take azelaic acid while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
Topical azelaic acid has not been studied during breastfeeding. Because only 4% of a dose is absorbed after topical application and it is a chemical that appears in foods, bloodstream, and breastmilk normally, azelaic acid is considered a low risk to the nursing infant. If azelaic acid is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Do not apply azelaic acid to the breast or nipple and ensure that the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.
Quoted from Azelaic Acid — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised March 15, 2026.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of azelaic acid. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much azelaic acid gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take azelaic acid while breastfeeding?
Topical azelaic acid has not been studied during breastfeeding. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of azelaic acid while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Tretinoin, Metronidazole as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does azelaic acid pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for azelaic acid are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking azelaic acid?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on azelaic acid
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.