Which cold medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Cold Medicine Safety While Breastfeeding
For nursing mothers battling a cold, the question of which medications are safe to take can be a significant concern. Fortunately, there are options available that can help alleviate symptoms without compromising the health of the breastfeeding infant.
Safe Over-the-Counter Options
Most over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Common medications that can be used include acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which are effective for relieving pain and reducing fever. These medications have been extensively studied and are not known to adversely affect breast milk or the nursing infant.
Additionally, decongestants like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine can be used, but it’s advisable to monitor the infant for any potential side effects, as these can sometimes lead to decreased milk supply in some women.
Medications to Avoid
While many medications are safe, certain cold medicines should be avoided during breastfeeding. For instance, products containing alcohol, such as some formulations of NyQuil and DayQuil, are not recommended due to the potential for alcohol to pass into breast milk. Similarly, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is another medication that nursing mothers are advised to avoid, as it can cause sedation in both the mother and the infant.
Moreover, codeine and other narcotics should be approached with caution. These medications can accumulate in the baby’s system and may lead to serious side effects, including respiratory issues.
Expert Recommendations
Healthcare professionals often recommend consulting with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication while breastfeeding. They can provide personalized advice based on the specific symptoms and overall health of both the mother and the infant.
In summary, while nursing mothers can find relief from cold symptoms with certain medications, it is crucial to choose wisely. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and specific decongestants are generally safe, while others like alcohol-based products and certain antihistamines should be avoided. Always consult a healthcare provider for tailored advice to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy during cold season.

How can I help my breastfed baby with a cold?

If your baby has a cold, you can make things easier by trying to keep him or her upright while feeding. Use saline drops and nose suction tools (like a bulb) to ease your baby’s nasal congestion. If nausea or diarrhea is the culprit, nurse as much as you can to keep up your baby’s hydration.

What is the safest anti allergy medication for breastfeeding?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are the recommended antihistamines when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra and Xyzal. Antihistamines such as Zatador are available as eye drops, which help itchy, watery eyes.

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.

Which tablet is best for a cold 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.

What can I 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.

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 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.

What is the safest decongestant for 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 Mucinex safe for 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.

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.