Looking for a quick list of safe medications while breastfeeding? All rights reserved. Acetaminophen (L1): Acetaminophen is compatible with breastfeeding as only small amounts are secreted into breast milk. Make sure to avoid alcohol containing products however. Look for the ingredients calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. Doses used for respiratory infections do not require any interruption to breastfeeding. (L3): Antihistamine. Common trade names: Tesselon Perles. Obstetrics & Gynecology. Reaffirmed 2014. He has been featured in numerous publications including the Huffington Post as well as a variety of health and pharmacy-related blogs. Benzocaine cough drops or lozenges (with or without menthol) are an excellent choice for cough relief in breastfeeding mothers. However, scientific research and anecdotal evidence are inconclusive. These can include sleepiness, rashes, diarrhea or fussiness. Most cough drops are considered safe while breastfeeding. It is extremely unlikely mometasone would be excreted in human milk in clinically relevant levels following topical or intranasal administration.There were no reported health concerns via milk.Common Trade names: Nasonex. Although its efficacy in treating colds has not been supported, it likely is not harmful to supplement while breastfeeding. Cabbage leaves placed on the breasts may also be helpful. Topical menthol and breastfeeding warnings. The use of baby aspirin (81 mg per day) is unlikely to increase the risk of these problems. There are no good studies of oxymetazoline safety during breastfeeding, however, very little of it is expected to reach the milk because it is locally administered and poorly absorbed. Can you use menthol while breastfeeding? Then, you can read about specific drugs below! According to LactMed, a drug and lactation database, It is unlikely that regular doses of guaifenesin would cause harm to an infant. Risk to the infant is possible, and further evaluation must be taken to consider individual situations. Look for products containing miconazole (Monistat) or clotrimazole (GyneLotrimin). While there have been scattered cases of respiratory depression in breastfeeding infants, it is likely safe to consume in moderate amounts (<150 mg per day) while breastfeeding. There is some anecdotal evidence that diphenhydramine can suppress milk production, but this pattern is not supported by the medical literature. The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Parent and Baby. (L2): Antihistamine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer; 2017. http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. It does not have antihistamine properties. 92: Use of Psychiatric Medications During Pregnancy and Lactation. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/medpreg.htm" (2010): "Product Information. Most medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. Take medicines either right after nursing or two to four hours before nursing. (L3): Decongestant. Researchers don't have a final answer about whether combination contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin affect milk production. Due to what we known about the molecular structure of dextromethorphan, some transfer into the breast milk is expected according to one source. Antitussive Effect of a Fixed Combination of Justicia Adhatoda, Echinacea Purpurea and Eleutherococcus Senticosus Extracts in Patients with Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: A Comparative, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Phytomedicine, vol. Common trade names: Galzin, Airborne, Orazinc, Zicam, Vitamin C nutritional supplement (L1). There is some anecdotal evidence that diphenhydramine can suppress milk production, but this pattern is not supported by the medical literature. Common trade names: Tesselon Perles, Codeine prescription required (L3): Although no longer available over the counter, drugs containing codeine are used to treat pain and cough. Pseudoephedrine is an adrenergic compound used as a nasal decongestant. They contain simethicone, which is sometimes given to infants. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. Aspirin should not be the first choice for pain relief in breastfeeding mothers. In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses what cough medications are safe to use while breastfeeding. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. Codeine can cause respiratory depression when taken in high doses. There is virtually no risk to a breastfeeding infant when the mother uses this product nasally. Vitamin C is often advertised for cold-fighting. . Adapted from previous InfantRisk articles authored by James Abbey, MD, Erika Anderson, MS4, Thomas W. Hale, Ph.D., and Teresa Baker, MD. According to the AAP, health care providers should weigh the risks and benefits when prescribing medications to breastfeeding mothers by considering the following: Need for the drug by the mother. Since it is non toxic at appropriate dose and a tiny excretion into breast milk of active metabolite Menthol, a moderate consumption is believed compatible while breastfeeding. Naproxen (L3): Naproxen is less well studied than the other drugs in the same class. Call 877-285-6920; TTY: 877-893-8199. They have given each medication a rating from Safest (L1) to Hazardous (L5). These medications typically transfer into milk in acceptable amounts. L3 Probably Safe: No studies, but expert opinion suggesting safety. Pseudoephedrine and Triprolidine in Plasma and Breast Milk of Nursing Mothers. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. Using the right medications can help alleviate symptoms ranging from muscle aches to fevers and headaches, whether prescription or Over-the-Counter (OTC). It is used to dry up secretions. Common trade names: Aller-Chlor, C.P.M., Chlor-Phen, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Teldrin HBP. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice before using any of these products. *Some combination headache or menstrual relief medicines that contain aspirin or acetaminophen, like Excedrin or Midol, contain caffeine. Additionally, after a night of heavy drinking, you may notice that your milk supply rapidly declines. Although it is likely safe to take while breastfeeding, there have been no significant studies showing the effects of Echinacea consumption on breastfeeding infants or milk production. Pseudoephedrine (the active ingredient in Sudafed and similar cold medications), methergine (often used to treat severe uterine bleeding after childbirth), and bromocriptine (brand names Parlodel or Cycloset, used for a variety of health issues) have been shown to have a negative effect on milk supply. The heavier duty medicines that actually block acid production, called H2 blockers, contain ingredients that can be concentrated in your breast milk, so don't take them without checking with your doctor. In fact, in some traditions, it is used to boost breast milk supply. However, doses of zinc in cold remedies can be in excess of what is safe. Doses of commonly marketed zinc supplements frequently range from 8-25 mg taken every 3-4 hours. The decision to use aspirin should be undertaken with physician guidance. However, generally, avoiding or limiting the ingestion of things known to reduce breast milk production is a good place to start. Pseudoephedrine commonly appears in combination products. Can I use topical menthol while breastfeeding? Per the manufacturer of Mucinex, it should be used cautiously in those breast feeding due to the drug not being formally studied in that regard. Nevertheless, most experts consider dextromethorphan to be compatible with breast feeding. They may be in the form of a lotion, cream, ointment or gel. Always try to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Antihistamines may also reduce your milk production. Triamcinolone may be used for longer periods of time without causing rebound congestion. Learn all about the food, herbs, and medications that can decrease your breast milk supply. Try our. Caution should be used with this product as it may reduce milk production in some mothers in late stage lactation (mothers breastfeeding infants >8 months old). While the occasional alcoholic beverage is unlikely to reduce your milk supply, chronic alcohol consumption can. However, untoward effects to the infants have not been described. Accessed June 26, 2018. Aspirin (L2): Although aspirin is secreted into breast milk in small quantities, it has the potential to cause bleeding problems in infants and increases the risk of Reye syndrome (liver damage associated with using aspirin to treat certain viral illnesses in children). It is [] Almost any drug that's present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. 10-04-2012, 08:36 AM. 5th ed. Leong C, ed. However, not all herbs are created equal when it comes to promoting breast milk production. : Positive evidence or expert opinion of risk to the infant or milk production. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Practice Bulletins Obstetrics. The medicine in a spray is less likely to be absorbed into your system than something you swallow, though it's still unclear how much of the ingredients in a spray will make it into your breast milk. Winter brings more than a chilly breeze; it comes with pesky coughs, runny noses, sore throats, congestion, colds, or even the flu. Keep in mind that this isn't a full list of safe medications. Hale, Thomas Wright. Zinc can be used topically or ingested, and is usually not harmful when breastfeeding an older infant. The recommendation can depend on how long you need to take the drug. 6, 1984, pp. Hale's Medications & Mothers' Milk, 2021: A Manual of Lactational Pharmacology. (L1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501295/. Support our research on breastfeeding medication by downloading the app today. VapoDrops Menthol (menthol topical)." Antibiotics prescription only (typically L1-L2): In general, it is safe to breastfeed while on a short course (<14 days of antibiotics). Avoid naproxen (sold as Aleve, Anaprox, and other brand names) because it stays in the body for a long time and has been associated with bleeding and anemia in infants. Dextromethorphan (L3): This is an antitussive drug that appears to work by elevating the cough threshold in the brain. Levels in milk have not been reported, but experiments have shown that it has poor oral absorption in infants. If you can't reach your doctor, ask the pharmacist at your drugstore. Our e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Triamcinolone (L3): Nasal Steroid. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in breastfeeding women. 1. Although the levels are low in breastmilk, this medication can cause sedation and therefore is not ideal in breastfeeding mothers. Comments: -There are no data on the excretion of topical menthol into human milk; oral consumption of menthol caused measurable quantities in human milk. However, if you need to take medication, you might have questions about how drugs may affect your breast milk. Well studied than the other drugs in the form of a lotion cream! 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