nursing mother's companion - help, please! UTI medicine question

[Anonymous]

I can't find my copy of the nursing mother's companion, which has that helpful list of drugs that are safe when breastfeeding -- if someone else has a copy and could please look up what the book says about phenazopyridine hydrochloride (over-the-counter meds for treating urinary tract infection) and breastfeeding, I'd be grateful. Or if anyone has asked a doctor previously, that would be appreciated as well.

thanks!

[Anonymous]

I am not sure what you can take, I would suggest you contact your doctor.

[Anonymous]

Nursing Mother's Companion classifies phenazopyridine as a sulfonamide. It says, "Combination tablets containing the red dye phenazopyridine, such as Azo-Gantrisin or Azo-Gantanol, should be avoided, particularly with newborns. Phenazopyridinie is also the ingredient in Pyridium. This drug decreases pain on urination, but is not necessary to treat a bladder infection." (p. 260).

Good luck to you -- hope you feel better soon!

[Anonymous]

check dr. hales website out, he is the guru of all things RX and breastfeeding, good luck, drink lots of cranberry juice and clear fluids as well

[Anonymous]

I would of course check with your pediatrician, but when I had a UTI and breastfeeding exclusively, my pediatrician said that the active ingredients in Cystex was OK and to get to the OB/GYN for antibiotics as soon as possible. Unlike Azo, Cystex doesn't have that dye in it that makes your urine all orange.

Having said that, your ped might have a different advice - good luck.

[Anonymous]

I had a UTI as well as mastitis (at the same time!) while breastfeeding. I was prescribed antibiotics, I believe keflex was the name, it was safe for breastfeeding.

Good luck.