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Does ibuprofen affect baby through breast milk?

Understanding Ibuprofen and Breastfeeding
The question of whether ibuprofen affects a baby through breast milk is a significant concern for nursing mothers. As many new mothers seek relief from pain or fever, understanding the implications of medication use during breastfeeding is crucial.
Safety of Ibuprofen While Breastfeeding
Research indicates that ibuprofen is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The amounts of ibuprofen that transfer into breast milk are minimal, typically less than the doses that are administered directly to infants. This means that the likelihood of adverse effects in babies exposed to ibuprofen through breast milk is very low .
According to health guidelines, only tiny amounts of ibuprofen enter breast milk, and these levels are unlikely to cause any side effects in infants. In fact, studies have shown that when mothers take ibuprofen, no measurable amounts are found in breast milk, suggesting that the drug is rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the body.
Recommendations for Use
While ibuprofen is deemed safe, healthcare professionals often recommend that nursing mothers avoid extra strength or time-released formulations of the medication. These types can increase the concentration of the drug in breast milk, potentially raising concerns about exposure.
Moreover, it is advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before taking any medication, including ibuprofen, to ensure it aligns with their specific health needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, ibuprofen can be safely used by breastfeeding mothers, with minimal transfer to breast milk and no significant risk to infants. However, as with any medication, it is prudent for mothers to seek medical advice to tailor their pain management strategies effectively while ensuring the safety of their babies.

Will ibuprofen dry up breast milk?

Your baby receives very little of the medication in your milk, and very few meds will affect your milk supply. Tylenol and ibuprofen are fine to take for pain relief and fever, for example. For allergies and colds, most antihistamines are okay, but some decongestants can decrease your milk supply.

How long does it take for ibuprofen to be excreted?

A regular 400mg dose of Ibuprofen will be eliminated from your system in about 10-24 hours. It’s not habit-forming, so there is a low potential to develop painkiller addiction. But, some people can become psychologically addicted to Ibuprofen. Chronic Ibuprofen use can damage your stomach lining and kidney function.

What medications should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

  • codeine phosphate.
  • decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
  • some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
  • aspirin for pain relief.

Can ibuprofen upset breastfed baby?

You can take ibuprofen or use it on your skin while breastfeeding. It is one of the painkillers that’s usually recommended if you’re breastfeeding. Only tiny amounts get into breast milk and it’s unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. Many people have used it while breastfeeding without any problems.

Can ibuprofen make babies sick?

But too high a dose can make a child very sick. Getting too much can lead to stomach problems, confusion, and possible kidney problems. So it’s important to know how to safely give ibuprofen. If you have any questions about giving ibuprofen to your child, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What drugs can pass through a mother’s breast milk and harm a nursing baby?

Drugs

  • If you use amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine or heroin, you should not breastfeed for 24 hours after use.
  • If you smoke cannabis or tobacco you should breastfeed your baby before you smoke, and smoke outside and away from the baby. Do not have your baby in the same room as the smoke.

How much ibuprofen passed through breast milk?

Drug Levels
The authors estimated that the infant would receive about 17 mcg/kg daily (100 mcg daily) with the maternal dose of approximately 1.2 grams daily. This dose represents 0.0008% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage[3] and 0.06% of the commonly accepted infant dose of 30 mg/kg daily (10 mg/kg every 8 hours).

How long does it take for ibuprofen to get out of breast milk?

Ibuprofen was present in the serum with a half-life of approximately 1.5 hours. No measurable amounts of ibuprofen were found in the samples of breast milk. The conclusion drawn is that, in lactating women who take up to 400 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours, less than 1 mg of ibuprofen per day is excreted in breast milk.

How does ibuprofen affect babies?

Ibuprofen use later in pregnancy might also cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (an opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart). If the ductus arteriosus closes before it should, it can cause high blood pressure in the fetal lungs (pulmonary hypertension).

How much ibuprofen can I take while breastfeeding?

It is safe to take up to the daily recommended dose of ibuprofen while breastfeeding. In a recent study, one group of women were given 400mg of ibuprofen twice a day, and another group was given the same amount every 6 hours. When samples of the breast milk were taken afterward, no traces of ibuprofen were found.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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