Are inhaled corticosteroids safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Inhaled Corticosteroids and Breastfeeding
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are commonly prescribed medications used primarily to manage asthma and other respiratory conditions. As concerns about medication safety during breastfeeding arise, many nursing mothers wonder whether these treatments pose any risks to their infants.
Safety Profile of Inhaled Corticosteroids
Current evidence suggests that inhaled corticosteroids are generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding. While most ICSs have not been extensively studied in breastfeeding contexts, the consensus among healthcare professionals is that the amount of medication that enters breast milk after inhalation is likely to be minimal. This small quantity is not expected to cause harm to a breastfeeding infant.
Experts indicate that the absorption of inhaled corticosteroids into the maternal bloodstream is low, which further reduces the likelihood of significant transfer into breast milk . Therefore, the use of inhaled corticosteroids is often deemed acceptable, especially when the benefits of controlling asthma or other respiratory issues outweigh potential risks.
Recommendations for Use
Healthcare providers typically recommend using the lowest effective dose of inhaled corticosteroids for the shortest duration necessary to manage symptoms. This approach minimizes any potential exposure to the infant while ensuring that the mother’s health is adequately managed. It is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to tailor their treatment plans appropriately.
Conclusion
In summary, inhaled corticosteroids are largely regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers. The low levels of medication that may pass into breast milk are unlikely to affect the infant adversely. However, as with any medication, it is essential for nursing mothers to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to ensure both their health and that of their child are prioritized.

Can you use nasal corticosteroids while breastfeeding?

Corticosteroid nasal sprays containing beclomethasone and budesonide are considered safe to use during breastfeeding. Decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline or tramazoline may be used if corticosteroid and antihistamine nasal sprays have not relieved the symptoms.

What are the side effects of corticosteroids in nursing?

Patient Teaching & Education
They can cause immunosuppression and suppress signs of infection. Corticosteroids can also cause an increase in blood glucose levels. Patients may experience weight gain, swelling, increased fatigue, bruising, and behavioral changes.

Can I use an inhaler while breastfeeding?

Asthma and breastfeeding
Most asthma medicines are safe to take when breastfeeding.

Can I use nasal inhaler while breastfeeding?

It’s usually OK to use your fluticasone nasal spray or drops as normal while you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known how much fluticasone gets into breast milk, but it’s likely to be a tiny amount. Your baby will not absorb a lot of fluticasone into their body from the breast milk.

Can you take a steroid inhaler while breastfeeding?

Steroid inhalers are normally safe to use while breastfeeding and during pregnancy, but it’s a good idea to get medical advice first. If you need to take a high dose during pregnancy, you may need regular check-ups to check for any side effects.

Are corticosteroids safe while breastfeeding?

There is very limited information on the use of corticosteroids during breastfeeding, although they are likely to be present in milk. Avoid prolonged high dose therapy where possible since adrenal suppression and other side-effects may occur in the infant.

What can I take for chest congestion while breastfeeding?

Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is used to thin out and loosen chest congestion and requires drinking plenty of fluids to be effective. It’s considered to be safe to use in the second and third trimester of pregnancy and likely to be safe while breastfeeding.

Are steroid inhalers safe while breastfeeding?

Most ICSs have not been studied for use during breastfeeding. However, the amount of medication that passes into breast milk following inhalation is likely small and not expected to cause problems for a breastfeeding infant.

Which corticosteroid drug is safe to use during pregnancy?

Although it is considered optimal to use prednisone at less than 20mg/day in pregnancy, it is generally accepted that higher doses are allowable for aggressive disease. Inflammation from uncontrolled autoimmune activity is potentially more harmful to maternal and fetal health than high-dose steroids.

Are inhaled corticosteroids safe in pregnancy?

The safety of ICS in the treatment of asthma during pregnancy has been established in systematic reviews (5, 6). They are the preferred “preventive” medications for managing asthma during pregnancy. Budesonide, with the most gestational data, remains the preferred ICS for use in pregnancy.