You can sit in a steamy bathroom or use a humidifier to generate steam. Avoid use in infants less than 2 months old, Caution advised; no human data available to assess risk to infant or milk supply, Generally safe although large amounts of menthol can decrease milk supply, Contains camphor, which can be harmful to babies if transferred on skin or inhaled, Even though taking single-symptom medication usually reduces the risk of complications for breastfeeding mothers, you also have to be careful when mixing and matching drugs; make sure there are no, drug-to-drug interactions with other medications youre taking. Discard the milk you pump while you're taking the medication. Chicken soup, hot tea, even plain old water: staying hydrated also helps keep mucus thin, which means its easier to get rid of, and warm beverages can soothe a sore throat. Yes. If you need to stop breast-feeding only temporarily, use a double electric breast pump to keep up your milk supply until you're able to breast-feed again. Also ask about the timing. With your health care provider's input, consider this list of medications found to be safe during breast-feeding. Its also easier to track possible side effects this way; if you think something youre taking is decreasing your milk production or making your baby irritable, you can cut it out while continuing to take other medications to see if its really the cause. , or that you dont take two medications with the same ingredient. Also, the benefit of continuing to take a medication for a chronic condition while breast-feeding often outweighs any potential risks. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1984; 18(6):901-906. In fact, breastfeeding can protect your infant from illness. (2013, April 17). Other ingredients often included in common cold medications, especially cough syrups may be harmful. Its not fun to be sick with a cold while youre trying to keep up with the demands of a breastfeeding baby, but take heart: Its easier to treat your symptoms with over-the-counter (OTC) medications while youre breastfeeding than when youre pregnant. If the vapor is too strong, add a little water. Breast feeding and medications - Whats safe, Naproxen (Naprosyn) short-term use only, Miconazole (Monistat 3) apply minimal amount, Clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin) apply minimal amount, Penicillins, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin, Cephalosporins, such as cephalexin (Keflex), Medications containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Zyrtec D, others) use with caution because pseudoephedrine can decrease milk supply, Progestin-only contraceptives, such as the minipill. A lot of common cold medications are okay to take while breastfeeding.. This article is not medical advice. So keep your babys feedings, but if youre worried, wear a mask and add in some extra handwashing.. New research on the delivery of breastfeeding support in England and Wales. Run a humidifier. Cough and cold remedies and breastfeeding, Over-The-Counter Treatments for Cough and Cold.
Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Also, there is a free database, Lactmed, you can also use to look up medications. Read all labels for active ingredients, including vitamins, supplements, naturopathic, and homeopathic substances. (2015, April 3). Boil a pot of water, remove from the stove and (optional) add a few drops of essential oils (for example: eucalyptus, sage and balsam). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. In one study (Findlay 1984) the calculated dose that would be absorbed by the infant was very low (0.4 to 0.6% of the maternal dose). Fortunately, antihistamines are also safe while breast-feeding. If youre well enough to exercise, reduce the intensity of your workouts.
Briggs GG, et al. Inhaling steam is a cheap and effective means of reducing congestion and should be used frequently before resorting to drugs. 11th ed. Drape a bath towel over your head and breathe deeply for 5 minutes. If youre unsure, ask your pharmacist about drug interactions for the medications you want to take. This precaution limits your babys exposure to over-the-counter medications. If you prefer treating a painful sore throat without these types of medications, you can ease symptoms with lozenges or an over-the-counter sore throat gargle. This helps open up your nasal passageway and improves breathing. Also, there is a free database. If you're breast-feeding, you're giving your baby a healthy start. Here's what you need to know to correctly identify a cold and get the treatment you need. Are mothers supposed to love breastfeeding 24 hours a day? Pseudoephedrine and triprolidine in plasma and breast milk of nursing mothers. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Heres everything you need to know about taking cold medications when youre breastfeeding, from what you should take and what you should skip to when and how to dose safely. Accessed June 26, 2018. However, unlike other antihistamines, these will only help symptoms caused by allergies, not the runny nose that comes with a cold virus. If youre dealing with a nagging cough, cough suppressants with the ingredient dextromethorphan are also safe to take while breast-feeding. separately if you have a cough and congestion, rather than Dayquil or Tylenol Cold. These cookies do not store any personal information. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. Short-acting medications can be taken right after your baby feeds, allowing a good amount of the drug to leave your system before the next feeding. But decongestants can also affect other parts of the body. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. But if your throat is already irritated. For the most part, its okay for nursing moms to take many, Many of these medications do pass into breast milk in small doses. Many people take decongestant tablets, powders and lemon drinks when they have a cold or sinus pain. What if I Cant Breastfeed? Its okay to keep feeding your baby while youre sickyour body is making antibodies for the virus, which get passed through your breast milk, explains Dr. Mello. Whatever you choose, there is one thing you should definitely not do: Stop breastfeeding your baby out of fear of spreading germs through close contact. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Still, a few medications aren't safe to take while breast-feeding. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Higher levels raise the risk of transient hypothyroidism in breast-fed babies. Accessed June 26, 2018. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Are you sneezing or coughing? Is It Safe to Use NyQuil While Im Pregnant? 
This could be explained suggest the authors by a drop in prolactin which was greater in those with babies older than 60 weeks (Aljazaf 2003). In fact, breastfeeding can protect your infant from illness. Reaffirmed 2014.
If this isnt possible, the AAP recommends taking long-acting drugs when your baby goes down for their longest period of sleep. Decongestant sprays are as effective and have no effect on supply as they only work locally in the nasal passages. What cold medicine can I take while breastfeeding? If youre not comfortable taking cold medicine while breast-feeding, some home and natural remedies might do the trick. Since the medications you take can pass into your breast milk usually less than 1 percent of the taken dosage its important to check the active ingredients of all medicine so that you dont expose your baby to a potentially harmful drug. Know how medications can affect your breast milk and which drugs are safe to take.
For otherwise healthy women, it's OK to begin using combined birth control pills and other types of combined hormonal birth control one month after childbirth. You can also limit your babys exposure by taking dosages around your babys breast-feeding schedule, if possible. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Both ingredients are common in over-the-counter medications and considered safe while breast-feeding. 1993;168:1393-9. We avoid using tertiary references. You should also be aware of how decongestants can affect infants. (n.d.), Tamiflu: Consumer Questions and Answers. Im not pumping enough milk. According to. Kimmel MC, et al. If youre unsure, ask your pharmacist about drug interactions for the medications you want to take. However in a study of 8 women a single 60 mg dose of pseudoephedrine reduced milk supply by 24% over a 24 hour period. While normal amounts of vitamin C (like the, ) seem to be fine, theres not a lot of research about extra doses of vitamin C, like the kind you might take to boost your immune system when sick. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years, Umbilical cord care: Do's and don'ts for parents. Log in, Anosmia after intranasal zinc gluconate use, Pseudoephedrine: effects on milk production in women and estimation of infant exposure via breastmilk, usual methods to regulate milk production. The information provided is taken from various reference sources. Cold symptom severity varies from person to person. OMT has been shown to have a dramatic effect on fluid in the ears, and works well on any type of upper respiratory infection. other information we have about you. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Exposure to medication in breast milk poses the greatest risk to premature babies, newborns, and babies who are medically unstable or have poorly functioning kidneys. Colds and flus are viral infections, so antibiotics wont cure them. This ingredient increases iodine levels in breast milk. 
2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Make sure to check the label of cough medications for alcohol before taking anything while breastfeeding; while many dont include alcohol, there are still plenty of OTC medications, including cough syrups, that use it to increase the sedating effects of the medication. But although safe, these ingredients can affect breast-feeding. As far as timing of your dosages, you may be able to orient them around your babys feeding schedule to further reduce the amount of medication that ends up in your breast milkthough this may not always be possible or even necessary, depending on the drug. If you take lozenges or purchase a sore throat gargle, make sure you read the ingredients on the back or side label. Other ingredients often included in common cold medications, especially cough syrups may be harmful. Decongestants improve cold symptoms by constricting the blood vessels in the nose and sinuses. Quick Tips for Treating Kids with a Cold or Flu, Everything You Need to Know About the Common Cold, Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): What It Is, Symptoms, and More, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP, wear a face mask while breast-feeding your baby, wash your hands before touching your baby, dont share pillows or blankets with your baby, wash your breasts with mild soap before feedings. A lot of common cold medications are okay to take while breastfeeding.. Drug therapy and breastfeeding. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Postpartum contraception: Initiation and methods. COVID-19: Resources for Lactation Professionals. If you're not sure if a medication is compatible with breast-feeding, pump, label and store expressed breast milk in a separate area until you check with your health care provider. Sudbury, Mass. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911. Pseudoephedrine is secreted into breastmilk in low levels.
Do this 2 or 3x a day until symptoms subside. Whisky is often recommended to help with cold symptoms. The common cold and the flu may seem very similar at first. For the most part, its okay for nursing moms to take many common cold medications. , and some of them have the potential to decrease milk supply, as well. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Decongestant nasal sprays containing xylometazoline, oxymetazoline are effective in relieving nasal congestion but do not produce wakefulness nor reduce milk supply. There is a problem with And really, that goes for everyone! The data presented here is intended to provide some immediate information but cannot replace input from professionals. She does advise breastfeeding moms to avoid first-generation allergy medications like Benadryl, however, as they can cause sedation in your baby. The field of medications you can take is way wider than it is in pregnancy, says, , an OB-GYN at Austin Regional Clinic in Austin, Texas.
A sinus infection occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen, infected, or inflamed. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Also, medications used in the two days after childbirth transfer at very low levels to your infant due to the limited volume of breast milk you produce during this time. But if youre breast-feeding, you may wonder if its safe to take cold medicine. Take any medication right AFTER you nurse and only as needed. In: Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Rest can strengthen your immune system and help you recover faster. Because of pseudoephedrines effect on milk production, concerns exist that phenylephrine may suppress milk although there is no evidence that this occurs. Kaunitz AM. However, different drugs peak in breast milk at different times. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Medications with multiple ingredients for multisymptom relief are convenient, but its safer to take single ingredient cold medications. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. She adds that you should never take more than the recommended amount of a drug within the timeframe given on the packaging. For example, can you feed your baby before a dose, and then avoid breast-feeding for one or two hours immediately after each dose?
All drugs can cause side effects under the right circumstances. Re-starting support services during Covid-19, Breastfeeding support in the UK during the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Per Dr. Mello, these drugs typically dont pass through breast milk in high enough quantities to cause side effects in your baby. All Rights Reserved. Some infants arent bothered by traces of the medication in their milk supply, but decongestants can cause irritability and restlessness in infants. Breast-feeding while taking these medications can make your baby sleepy. Avoid taking unnecessary medications, such as herbal medications, high-dose vitamins and unusual supplements. Wondering about breast-feeding and medications? Brand names include: Sudafed, Lemsip, Beechams, Benylin, Day Nurse and Night Nurse, own brand pharmacy. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of
She does advise breastfeeding moms to avoid, first-generation allergy medications like Benadryl. Information is provided for educational purposes only. If you have advance notice, pump in addition to breast-feeding and store expressed milk for use during that time. There are exceptions, though, in which drugs can become concentrated in breast milk.
Its hard to enjoy your family and work when youre fighting a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and other annoying cold symptoms. Its also important to pay attention to more than just the active ingredients. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are safe options while breast-feeding. These symptoms may indicate one or more of the following conditions: Your doctor can diagnose the problem based on your symptoms and offer an effective treatment. These include some nighttime relief medications that cause drowsiness. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that short-acting medications are always preferable to long-acting ones.
Retrieved from, What medications are safe to take while breast-feeding. Sachs HC. You should also avoid cold medications with high alcohol content. Findlay JW, Butz RF, Sailstad JM, Warren JT, Welch RM.
Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Sore throat sprays or lozenges are generally considered safe, as are cough drops. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. OMT is a very gentle form of osteopathic manipulation, which can enhance the immune system, and help keep the fluids draining from the head and neck so bacteria and viruses are less likely to be able to grow. , the Drugs and Lactation Database, high doses are probably finebut its better to get the green light from your healthcare provider. 92: Use of Psychiatric Medications During Pregnancy and Lactation. They are safe and effective but should not be used long term (more than 7 days). s while youre breastfeeding than when youre pregnant. Mothers reported irritability in 20% of infants exposed to pseudoephedrine in one study of breastfeeding mothers (Ito 1993). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. Should breastfeeding continue when mom is sick? Safety of infant exposure to antidepressants and benzodiazepines through breastfeeding. In other words, focus on treating your individual symptomseven if that means taking multiple kinds of compatible drugsrather than preparations that aim to treat a half-dozen symptoms or more. How do I determine if a medication is safe for a breastfeeding mother? Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). privacy practices. Learn about the symptoms of a sinus infection and how to. Short-acting forms of drugs (6 hours or less) are generally better than the long-acting varieties (but see the info below on the nonsedating antihistamines). To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which There is no research to support this and I could not advocate or support this as a pharmacist. Ito S, Blajchman A et al. https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/cold-remedies/, https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACTMED, Six ways health professionals and peer supporters can help Autistic women meet their breastfeeding goals. Raw is always best, though its hardest to get down. (For example, you should opt for a four- to six-hour preparation of pseudoephedrine versus a 12-hour extended release formula if you have a choice.) For example, taking medication immediately after breast-feeding might help minimize your baby's exposure. Uncircumcised penis: Is special care needed? This can be hard, and understandably, you might not be able to stop completely. Whatever you choose, there is one thing you should definitely. Tamiflu is an approved treatment for the flu virus, but you should consult your doctor to see if this drug is right for you.
"Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. The risk is lowest for healthy babies 6 months and older, who can move drugs through their bodies efficiently. 5th ed. Another way to reduce your babys exposure is by avoiding extra strength cold medications like those that only require one or two dosages a day.
information highlighted below and resubmit the form. If you're breast-feeding and plan to take medication, check with your health care provider. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Is It Safe to Smoke Weed If You Have a Cold or the Flu? If youre still concerned about taking any medications while breastfeedingor you want to supplement OTC drugs with natural remediesthere are also non-pharmaceutical ways to ease your symptoms. Use nasal spray instead of oral medications when possible (see below). Obstetrics & Gynecology. That said, there are limitations when treating your cold symptoms while breastfeeding and some meds you should avoid completely. According to Dr. Mello, one of the best ways to choose breastfeeding-friendly cold medications and reduce side effects is to stick with single-symptom formulations instead of multi-symptom ones; for example, taking. The incubation period for a cold can last for several days.
When you're taking medication, watch your baby for any changes in eating or sleeping habits, fussiness, or a rash.
If your symptoms dont improve within this time span or worsen, make an appointment with your doctor. . Can you take cold medicine while breastfeeding? Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Many preparations contain a combination of dextromethorphan and ethanol [i.e., alcohol], and those preparations should be avoided in breastfeeding, says Hannah R. Fudin, Pharm.D., a clinical pharmacist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Accessed June 26, 2018. Garlic eaten raw, cooked, or taken as a supplement can help. Phenyephrine is poorly bioavailability (not well absorbed from the gut) so it is not likely to produce effects in a breastfed infant with normal doses.
(2014, October 23), Weiner, C. (n.d.). Jones W Breastfeeding and Medication (Routledge 2018). Am J Obstet Gynecol.
Here, we give you some tips on how to tell them, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. There are a couple of caveats, though: Many of these medications do pass into breast milk in small doses, and some of them have the potential to decrease milk supply, as well. Learn more about the timeline, early symptoms to watch for, and remedies that may help. Wambach K, et al., eds. Read all labels for active ingredients, including vitamins, supplements, naturopathic, and homeopathic substances. It may be helpful to write down names of medications, doses, and times taken. If you are a breastfeeding parent, it is best to check with your primary care provider, OB-GYN, or lactation specialist before taking medications. Neither of these caveats mean you cant take these medications while breastfeedingbut it does mean you need to be aware of the possible side effects and pay special attention to dosing instructions.
