To  :   Linda Rosetti
Re  :   Floxin(ofloxacin)

Floxin belongs to the fluoroquinoline family as does Cipro.  This family of
antibiotic drugs has been found to produce arthropathy in animals,
although it has not been documented in humans.   In addition,  after
prolonged use Cipro has induced pseudomembranous colitis in one infant.
That's the bad stuff. With Floxin,  plasma and milk concentrations appear
equal  M:P ratio = 1.   However, milk concentrations of Floxin are quite
small 0.5 to 2.41 ug/ml of milk following a 400 mg dose(24 hrs and 2 hrs
after dose respectively).

As with many drugs,  a risk vs benefit assessment is required.
Pancreatitis is a dangerous disease,  and I would suggest that mom's health
is paramount,  and that Floxin may really be required,  depending on the
cultures.  If other antibiotics are deemed unsuitable,  then the
fluoroquinoline are exceeding effective and probably indicated.

It is unlikely that the infant would be injured by exposure to this
medication,  but that depends on dose, duration, age of infant, and timing
of dose:lactation.  Floxin plasma levels peak at 0.5 to 2 hrs.

If the infant continues to breastfeed,  observe for diarrhea, occult blood,
and other GI symptoms indicative of pseudomembranous colitis.

Tom Hale, Ph.D.