What cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Cold Medicines While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of cold medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. With the need to alleviate symptoms while ensuring the safety of their infants, it’s crucial to understand which medications are deemed safe and which should be avoided.
Safe Options for Cold Relief
Many over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used effectively to manage fever and discomfort without significant risk to the nursing infant. Additionally, non-sedating antihistamines, like loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are recommended as they are less likely to cause drowsiness and have minimal effects on breast milk.
For nasal congestion, nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, such as Afrin, are safe options. These sprays work locally in the nasal passages and are not absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts, thus posing little risk to milk supply or the infant.
Medications to Approach with Caution
While some medications are safe, others require caution. Sedating antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine and brompheniramine, are not recommended due to their potential sedative effects and limited studies on their safety during breastfeeding. These medications can cause drowsiness in both the mother and the infant, which may complicate caregiving.
Moreover, it’s advisable to avoid extra-strength, long-acting, or sustained-release medications. These formulations are designed to remain in the bloodstream longer, which can lead to higher concentrations in breast milk and potentially affect the baby.
General Guidelines for Medication Use
When considering cold medications, breastfeeding mothers should adhere to a few key guidelines:
– Consult Healthcare Providers: Always discuss with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific situation.
– Monitor Dosage and Duration: Use medications in small doses and for the shortest duration necessary to alleviate symptoms.
– Stay Informed: Be aware of the active ingredients in any medication and their potential effects on both the mother and the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding mothers can find relief from cold symptoms with certain medications, it’s essential to choose wisely. Safe options include non-sedating antihistamines, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and specific nasal sprays. However, caution should be exercised with sedating medications and prolonged use of any cold remedy. By staying informed and consulting healthcare professionals, nursing mothers can effectively manage their cold symptoms while ensuring the safety of their little ones.

What decongestant doesn t affect breastfeeding?

Decongestant nasal sprays containing xylometazoline, oxymetazoline are effective in relieving nasal congestion but do not produce wakefulness nor reduce milk supply. They are safe and effective but should not be used long term (more than 7 days). Brand names include Otrivine and Sudafed.

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.

Can I take vitamin C while breastfeeding?

The recommended vitamin C intake in lactating women is 120 mg daily, and for infants aged 6 months or less is 40 mg daily. [1] High daily doses up to 1000 mg increase milk levels, but not enough to cause a health concern for the breastfed infant and is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

Is Tylenol cold and flu OK 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.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while 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 cold medicine can you take while breastfeeding?

Safe cold medicine while breastfeeding
In general, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, NSAID pain relievers, acetaminophen, and second-generation allergy medications such as Zyrtec and Claritin are considered safe options for treating cold symptoms while breastfeeding.

Will DayQuil dry up breast milk?

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and non-drowsy antihistamines are generally okay, but you should avoid NyQuil, Benadryl, Sudafed, and DayQuil while breastfeeding. These drugs can hinder your supply, harm the baby, or make it unsafe for you to hold your baby.

What to do if mother has a cold while breastfeeding?

If you have a cold or flu, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting, or mastitis, keep breastfeeding as normal. Your baby won’t catch the illness through your breast milk – in fact, it will contain antibodies to reduce her risk of getting the same bug. “Not only is it safe, breastfeeding while sick is a good idea.

Can I take Mucinex while breastfeeding?

The expectorant guaifenesin and the cough suppressant dextromethorphan are often found together in products like Mucinex DM or Robitussin DM. Both of these medications have been used while breastfeeding. Small, occasional doses of antihistamines are acceptable while nursing.

How do you treat a cold in a breastfed baby?

Self care

1. Offer plenty of fluids. Liquids are important to avoid dehydration.
2. Suction your baby’s nose. Keep your baby’s nasal passages clear with a rubber-bulb syringe.
3. Try nasal saline drops. Your baby’s doctor may recommend saline nasal drops to moisten nasal passages and loosen thick nasal mucus.
4. Moisten the air.