Does Tylenol 3 affect breast milk?

Understanding Tylenol 3 and Its Effects on Breast Milk
Tylenol 3, which contains acetaminophen and codeine, is often prescribed for pain relief. However, for breastfeeding mothers, the safety and effects of this medication on breast milk and infants are critical considerations.
Acetaminophen and Breastfeeding
Acetaminophen, the primary active ingredient in Tylenol 3, is generally regarded as safe for use during breastfeeding. Research indicates that only a small amount of acetaminophen passes into breast milk, which is unlikely to affect a nursing infant adversely. In fact, studies have shown that acetaminophen can be a beneficial choice for pain relief in nursing mothers, as it does not significantly impact milk supply or breastfeeding initiation rates.
The Role of Codeine
The more concerning component of Tylenol 3 is codeine. Codeine is an opioid that can pose risks to breastfeeding infants, particularly if the mother metabolizes it rapidly. Some women have a genetic variation that causes them to metabolize codeine more quickly, leading to higher levels of morphine in their breast milk. This can potentially result in serious side effects for the infant, including respiratory depression.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Healthcare professionals typically advise caution when using Tylenol 3 while breastfeeding. If a mother needs pain relief, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits against the risks associated with codeine. Alternatives such as acetaminophen alone or ibuprofen may be recommended, as they are considered safer options for nursing mothers.
Conclusion
In summary, while acetaminophen in Tylenol 3 is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, the presence of codeine raises significant concerns. Mothers should always consult their healthcare providers before taking any medication, especially those containing opioids, to ensure the safety of both themselves and their infants.

Which drug decreases milk supply?

Certain medications can suppress lactation (reduce milk production) in breastfeeding moms. Some of the medications that can decrease milk supply include: Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, and Allegra-D).

Is Tylenol with codeine safe during pregnancy?

Taking codeine in pregnancy is not expected to cause problems that would require any extra monitoring of your baby prior to birth.

How long do you have to wait to breastfeed after taking a pain pill?

The amount that transfers into breast milk is 2.2-3.7% of your dose. We think short term use is probably ok if you do not exceed 40mg in 24 hours. We recommend taking the medication after nursing so you have a break before nursing again as the medication peaks in the breast milk in the first 2 hours after taking it.

Does Tylenol affect breast milk supply?

So far, research has found no significant side effects for babies whose parents take Tylenol while breastfeeding. Additionally, Tylenol isn’t known to affect your milk supply, Dr.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Antineoplastics	Leukopenia, bone marrow suppression
Gold salts	Rash, nephritis, haematological abnormalities
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring

How long after taking codeine can I breastfeed?

Using the half life of codeine as 3 hours – it takes 15 hours for a dose to be regarded as no longer in breastmilk.

How long until Tylenol is out of breast milk?

Drug Levels
A single oral dose of 650 mg of acetaminophen was given to 12 nursing mothers who were 2 to 22 months postpartum. Peak milk levels of 10 to 15 mg/L occurred between 1 and 2 hours after the dose in all patients. Acetaminophen was undetectable (<0.5 mg/L) in all mothers 12 hours after the dose.

Is codeine safe while breastfeeding?

Codeine and breastfeeding
Do not take codeine if you’re breastfeeding. Small amounts of codeine pass into breast milk and can cause breathing problems in your baby and make them feel drowsy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, as they will be able to recommend a more suitable painkiller.

Is Tylenol #3 safe while breastfeeding?

Tylenol No. 3 is the most common codeine-acetaminophen combination in clinical use. Recent research from Motherisk suggests that codeine might not be safe for all breastfed infants, as in a minority of cases it might cause CNS depression and apnea.

Which opioid is safe in breastfeeding?

Morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and hydromorphone have been determined, by several studies, to be moderately safe for breastfeeding women.