Can you take ceftizoxime 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.
Ceftizoxime is no longer marketed in the US. Limited information indicates that ceftizoxime produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant's gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Ceftizoxime is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Quoted from Ceftizoxime — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised November 15, 2024.
How much ceftizoxime gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. After a single 1 gram intravenous dose of ceftizoxime in 2 women, milk levels ranged from 0.31 to 0.43 mg/L from 2 to 8 hours after the dose. The peak milk level occurred at 2 hours after the dose in one and 6 hours after the dose in the other.
Five women were given 1 gram of ceftizoxime intravenously. Average peak milk levels of 0.39 mg/L occurred 3 hours after the dose, although individuals had peak levels ranging from 0.31 mg/L at 3 hours after the dose to 0.83 mg/L at 6 hours after the dose. Four of the women had undetectable milk levels by 6 hours after the dose.
In six women given 1 gram of ceftizoxime intravenously, average milk levels were 0.25 mg/L 1 hour after the dose.
After a single 1 gram intravenous dose in 2 women, ceftizoxime milk levels were measurable only 4 hours after the dose and averaged 0.1 mg/L.
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 ceftizoxime while breastfeeding?
Ceftizoxime is no longer marketed in the US. 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.
Does ceftizoxime pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for ceftizoxime are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking ceftizoxime?
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 ceftizoxime
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.