If you have any questions about this information, you can contact the Drugs in Breastmilk team through their Facebook page or on druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.
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Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder which may or may not be accompanied by bacterial infection. NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries indicates that without antibiotics most cases resolve between four and nine days and antibiotics speed the process by around 24 hours.
Symptoms include pain on urination (dysuria), needing to urinate more frequently and urinary urgency as well as a feeling of being unable to empty the bladder completely. If you have had symptoms for more than five days, or you have fever or loin pain, you should see a doctor because the symptoms could indicate a bacterial infection needing prompt treatment with antibiotics.
Patient information leaflets and packaging of over-the-counter remedies for cystitis generally advise that they should not be used during breastfeeding. The manufacturers are not required to conduct any safety tests in terms of breastmilk when first licensing a product and therefore do not take responsibility. It does not indicate risk. See our page on patient information leaflets for more information.
Over the counter products contain sodium citrate in tablets or sachets to be dissolved in water. Sodium citrate is metabolised to bicarbonate after absorption. There appears to be no data on the pharmacokinetics controlling absorption and passage into breastmilk but it is likely to be limited, particularly with a 48-hour course, and is unlikely to adversely affect a breastfed infant. Sodium citrate is also an ingredient of formula milk. It is important to drink additional watery fluids to speed resolution of symptoms. Cranberry juice and cranberry capsules can also be taken during breastfeeding.
Brand names: Effercitrate®, Cystopurin®, Cystemme®, Canesten Oasis®, own brand cystitis relief.
Most antibiotics for urinary tract infections are safe to use during breastfeeding. See our factsheet on antibiotics and breastfeeding for more information.
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Bibliography
- Hale T. W Medications in Mothers Milk
- Jones W Breastfeeding and Medication 2019 Routledge
- Lactmed website https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
- E-Lactancia website: https://e-lactancia.org/breastfeeding/sodium-citrate/product/
- Martindale, the Extra Pharmacopia 2007
- NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries
- Rutter P. Community Pharmacy; symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Churchill Livingstone 2004. British National Formulary
©The Breastfeeding Network. Published March 2022. Last amended March 2026.