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Is DayQuil ok while breastfeeding?

Understanding DayQuil and Breastfeeding
For nursing mothers battling cold and flu symptoms, the question of whether it’s safe to take DayQuil often arises. DayQuil, a popular over-the-counter medication, is designed to alleviate symptoms such as fever, cough, and nasal congestion. However, the safety of its ingredients during breastfeeding is a crucial consideration.
Key Ingredients in DayQuil
DayQuil typically contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine. Each of these components has different implications for breastfeeding mothers:
– Acetaminophen is widely regarded as safe for use while breastfeeding. It is commonly recommended for pain relief and fever reduction, and studies suggest that it poses minimal risk to nursing infants when taken in recommended doses.

– Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, is also considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. It does not appear to adversely affect breastfed infants.
– Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, is where caution is advised. While it is generally deemed safe, there are concerns that it may reduce milk production in some women. This effect is particularly noted with intravenous or high doses, but the implications of oral administration during breastfeeding are less clear. Therefore, while occasional use may be acceptable, mothers should monitor their milk supply and consult healthcare providers if they have concerns.
General Guidance for Nursing Mothers
If a breastfeeding mother takes DayQuil and later realizes it, there is no need for alarm. It is generally safe to continue nursing as normal. However, it is always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, especially for nursing mothers who may have unique health considerations.
Conclusion
In summary, DayQuil can be used by breastfeeding mothers, but with some caveats regarding pseudoephedrine. While acetaminophen and dextromethorphan are safe, monitoring for any potential decrease in milk supply is advisable. As always, when in doubt, seeking personalized medical advice is the best course of action to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy.

Can I pass my cold to my breastfed baby?

Of course, our top priority as mothers is protecting this new little life, and we would do anything for them. So, here is the good news. Your body has superpowers! Did you know that you cannot pass illnesses such as the cold, flu, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and even COVID through your breast milk?

Can I take Tylenol cold and flu while breastfeeding?

Many medicines are safe to use when you breastfeed. These include: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Some cold and influenza (flu) medicines.

Is DayQuil safe during breastfeeding?

Dextromethorphan. This cold medicine is considered safe for breastfeeding moms and babies. Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

What decongestant is safe 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.

Why can’t you take NyQuil while breastfeeding?

Official answer. It is best not to take Nyquil while breastfeeding because it contains ingredients such as doxylamine that may affect your milk supply, and cause drowsiness in you and your newborn. Liquid formulations of Nyquil also contain alcohol which is not recommended during breastfeeding.

What is the safest cold medicine while pregnant?

Pregnancy-Safe Cold & Flu Medication

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Safe during the entire pregnancy. Take only as needed.
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Safe in the second and third trimester.
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) Safe during pregnancy.
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Safe throughout pregnancy.

What can I take for a sore throat while breastfeeding?

Sore throat
Throat lozenges containing local anaesthetic, antibacterial agents or benzydamine may be used while breastfeeding. Avoid excessive use as it may cause unwanted side effects such as diarrhoea. Gargling salt water or drinking lemon and honey products may also help to ease a sore throat.

Can I take DayQuil while pregnant?

Cold medications that are generally considered off-limits during pregnancy include: Some pain relievers and fever reducers, including ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve) Most decongestants, including Claritin-D, DayQuil, NyQuil or Sudafed. Non-steroidal nasal sprays, such as Afrin.

What is safe to take for a cold while breastfeeding?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

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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