What nighttime cold medicine can I take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Nighttime Cold Medicine While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of cold medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. When you’re feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of the medicine you’re taking for both yourself and your baby. Fortunately, there are several options that are generally considered safe for nursing mothers.
Safe Options for Nighttime Relief
When it comes to nighttime cold medicines, over-the-counter (OTC) options are often the go-to choice. Many common medications can provide relief without posing significant risks to breastfeeding infants.
1. Pain Relievers: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are typically safe for nursing mothers. They can help alleviate discomfort associated with colds, such as headaches or body aches, without adversely affecting milk supply or the baby’s health.
2. Cough Suppressants: Dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in many cough syrups, is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. It can help suppress a cough, allowing for a more restful night.
3. Decongestants: While some decongestants can be safe, pseudoephedrine is often recommended for short-term use. However, it’s important to note that it may reduce milk supply in some women, so moderation is key.
4. Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine, found in many nighttime cold medications, is an antihistamine that can help with allergy symptoms and promote sleep. It is classified as safe for breastfeeding, but it can cause drowsiness in both the mother and the baby, so it should be used with caution.
Medications to Avoid
While many medications are safe, there are some that breastfeeding mothers should avoid or use with caution:
– Multi-symptom Cold Medications: These often contain a combination of ingredients that may not all be safe for breastfeeding. It’s best to stick to single-ingredient medications to minimize risks.

– Certain Decongestants: Some stronger decongestants can affect milk supply and should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
Before taking any medication, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and the age of your baby. This is especially important if you have any underlying health conditions or if your baby has any health concerns.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding mothers can take certain nighttime cold medicines, it’s crucial to choose wisely. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine are generally safe options, while multi-symptom medications and certain decongestants should be approached with caution. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the safety of both you and your baby as you seek relief from cold symptoms.

Can I take Robitussin nighttime 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.

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.

What cold medicine won’t decrease breast milk supply?

Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects. Pseudoephedrine. Another cold medicine safe for breastfeeding moms and their little ones is pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed and Allegra D.

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 brands of cold medicine are safe for breastfeeding?

Most cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding, especially if you take them short term and only when you need them. Some of the medications that are safe include: Expectorants that contain guaifenesin (Mucinex®, Robitussin® and others). Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (DayQuil®, Delsym® and others).

Is Mucinex Night Shift safe while breastfeeding?

This medication may pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What can I take if I have a cold and I’m breastfeeding?

Two main OTC cough medications are considered safe to take when breastfeeding: dextromethorphan (Delsym) and guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin).

Can I take nighttime 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.

Can I take nighttime cold and flu while breastfeeding?

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and non-drowsy antihistamines are generally okay, but you should avoid NyQuil, Benadryl, Sudafed, and DayQuil while breastfeeding.

Does Zyrtec dry up breast milk?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.