Which antibiotic is appropriate for uncomplicated lactational mastitis?

In the case of uncomplicated lactational mastitis, the preferred antibiotic is Dicloxacillin. This is primarily due to the fact that this antibiotic is effective against the most common causative agent of mastitis, which is Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-sensitive strains. Dicloxacillin is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin that can effectively penetrate the breast tissue, making it suitable for treating infections that occur in lactating women.

Additionally, Dicloxacillin has a good safety profile for breastfeeding mothers, meaning it poses minimal risk to the infant during lactation. This is crucial because antibiotics prescribed for lactational mastitis must ensure both the health of the mother and the safety of the nursing infant.

Other options, while they may be effective in treating various bacterial infections, are not the first-line treatment for uncomplicated lactational mastitis. For instance, Amoxicillin-clavulanate might be considered for certain cases of complicated infections but is not the primary choice due to its spectrum of activity. Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone and is generally avoided in breastfeeding due to potential risks. Vancomycin is reserved for serious infections caused by resistant bacteria and is not necessary for the uncomplicated forms of mastitis.