Is Aleve D safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Aleve-D and Breastfeeding Safety
When it comes to managing pain or discomfort while breastfeeding, many mothers may wonder about the safety of various medications, including Aleve-D, which combines naproxen (an anti-inflammatory) with a decongestant. The question of whether Aleve-D is safe during breastfeeding is complex and requires careful consideration of the available research and expert recommendations.
Limited Research on Naproxen and Breastfeeding
Naproxen, the active ingredient in Aleve-D, has been studied to some extent in the context of breastfeeding. However, the research is limited. While some studies indicate that the levels of naproxen in breast milk are low, there are concerns regarding its long half-life and potential adverse effects on breastfed infants . This means that while serious side effects in infants appear to be uncommon, the possibility cannot be entirely ruled out.
Expert Recommendations
Health professionals generally advise caution when it comes to using Aleve-D while breastfeeding. The consensus is that naproxen is not usually recommended for nursing mothers. Instead, alternatives like ibuprofen are often suggested as safer options. This is primarily due to the potential risks associated with naproxen, including its longer duration in the body and the possibility of serious reactions in neonates.
Considerations for Mothers
For mothers considering Aleve-D for relief from sinus congestion or pain, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on individual health circumstances and the specific needs of both the mother and the infant. The general guidance is to limit the use of medications while breastfeeding to reduce the risk of side effects for both mother and child.
Conclusion
In summary, while Aleve-D may provide relief for certain symptoms, its use during breastfeeding is not widely recommended due to the potential risks associated with naproxen. Mothers are encouraged to explore safer alternatives and to seek professional medical advice to ensure the health and safety of both themselves and their infants.

How long does naproxen stay in breastmilk?

Peak milk naproxen levels in a 5-month postpartum patient were 1.1 to 1.3 mg/L while taking oral naproxen 250 mg twice daily and 2.4 mg/L with a dose of 375 mg twice daily. Peak milk levels occurred 4 to 5 hours after the dose and fell slowly over 12 to 24 hours.

What is the safest painkiller during pregnancy?

Paracetamol is the painkiller of choice for use in pregnancy and its use does not require medical supervision. It is not uncommon for women to have used other types of painkiller early in pregnancy before finding out they are pregnant.

How long after taking pseudoephedrine can I breastfeed?

When possible, avoid breastfeeding within two hours of your last dose of Sudafed. You have the highest amount of Sudafed in your breast milk one to two hours after you take the drug.

What anti inflammatory is safe while breastfeeding?

There is very limited published information on the use of NSAIDs during breastfeeding; however ibuprofen and diclofenac are the preferred choices due to their shorter half-lives and extensive use during breastfeeding in clinical practice.

What is the best decongestant while breastfeeding?

Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray is a nasal decongestant that can be used safely while breastfeeding. Because the medicine is not absorbed well from the nasal passages, it doesn’t have the same effect on milk supply that decongestants taken by mouth can have.

Is Aleve safe while breastfeeding?

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. Avoid aspirin — it can cause rashes and bleeding problems in nursing infants, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

How long does it take for pseudoephedrine to get out of your system?

In contrast, pseudoephedrine, a common stimulant found in over-the-counter cold and cough medications, is a rapidly excreted drug that could clear completely from an athletes’ body within 24 hours to a few days.

Do decongestants dry up breast milk?

The American Academy of Paediatrics considers the drug safe during breastfeeding [2], but there are very few studies of the use of decongestants during breastfeeding [3]. Nevertheless, anecdotally, many lactation consultants report that pseudoephedrine use results in decreased milk production [4].

What are the side effects of taking Aleve D?

Common side effects seen with Aleve-D are dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, nervousness, palpitations, sleeplessness and vomiting. More serious, though rare, side effects seen with Aleve-D include severe allergic reactions, gastrointestinal ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Can you take Aleve-D while pregnant?

Avoid taking Aleve-D (naproxen / pseudoephedrine) if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This is because naproxen can cause harm to your unborn baby, especially at or after 20 weeks. If you need medication to help with pain, ask your provider about safer alternatives during pregnancy.