Breast infection antibiotics: what to know

Mastitis can cause a tender, warm, swollen, red area and may come with fever or feeling unwell. Some inflammation is not bacterial and may improve with supportive care, while an abscess can require drainage as well as treatment. A clinician may need to examine the breast and review how symptoms began before choosing an antibiotic.

Take the prescribed antibiotic exactly as directed and report a rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, or severe diarrhoea promptly. If you are breastfeeding, ask how to continue feeding or expressing safely; stopping suddenly can worsen milk stasis. Rest, drink fluids, and use comfortable breast support. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share them.

Arrange prompt review if redness, pain, fever, or swelling is worsening, if there is a new fluctuant lump, or if symptoms are not improving after starting treatment. Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, confusion, or severe weakness. A breast infection that keeps returning or does not settle needs reassessment.

Ask whether this is likely bacterial, whether an abscess needs imaging or drainage, how to protect breastfeeding, which side effects require action, and when you should be reviewed. Tell the clinician about allergies, pregnancy, recent antibiotics, and medicines you take.