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Are there any breastfeeding friendly throat lozenges?

Understanding Breastfeeding-Friendly Throat Lozenges
For breastfeeding mothers, managing a sore throat can be a delicate balance between seeking relief and ensuring the safety of their nursing infant. The good news is that there are throat lozenges that are considered safe for breastfeeding, but caution is always advised.
Safety Considerations
When selecting throat lozenges, it’s crucial to avoid those containing certain ingredients that may not be safe for breastfeeding. For instance, lozenges with benzocaine, a common topical anesthetic, can pose risks. Benzocaine can potentially lead to methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition that affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which is particularly concerning for infants.
Instead, lozenges that contain natural ingredients such as honey or herbal extracts are generally safer options. Honey, for example, is not only soothing for a sore throat but is also considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Recommended Options
While specific brands may vary, throat lozenges that are marketed as sore throat relief without harmful additives are typically safe. For instance, products like Spec-T Sore Throat/Decongestant Lozenges have been evaluated for their effects on breastfeeding mothers and their infants. These lozenges can provide symptomatic relief without significant risks when used as directed.
Additionally, consulting with healthcare providers is always a wise step. They can offer personalized advice based on the specific ingredients in throat lozenges and the individual health circumstances of the mother and child.
Alternative Remedies
In addition to lozenges, breastfeeding mothers can consider other remedies to alleviate sore throat symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water, and using humidifiers can be effective. These methods not only provide relief but also ensure that the mother remains hydrated, which is essential for milk production.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are throat lozenges that are safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to choose products carefully. Opting for lozenges with natural ingredients and avoiding those with potentially harmful additives like benzocaine can help ensure both mother and baby remain healthy. Always consult with a healthcare professional for tailored advice and recommendations.

What throat lozenges are safe while breastfeeding?

Throat lozenges containing local anaesthetic, antibacterial agents or benzydamine may be used while breastfeeding. Avoid excessive use as it may cause unwanted side effects such as diarrhoea. Gargling salt water or drinking lemon and honey products may also help to ease a sore throat.

What throat lozenges are safe while pregnant?

Cough & Cold: Sore Throat Relief

  • Cepacol Dual Relief Sore Throat Spray.
  • Cepacol Sugar Free Extra Strength.
  • Sore Throat Lozenges with Pain Numbing Relief.
  • Cepacol Maximum Strength Sore Throat Lozenges.

Which tablet is safe for throat infection for breastfeeding mothers?

You may have body aches or need a pain reliever for a sore throat. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are safe options while breast-feeding. 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.

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 can I take for a sore throat while breastfeeding?

Try the following to help the discomfort of a cold or a sore throat when breastfeeding:

  1. Take honey and lemon mixed in hot water, or sip on other warm fluids like natural teas to keep your throat moist.
  2. Gargle some salt water.
  3. If you have a cough, try a cough medicine that is based on glycerine and honey.

Can I take anything for a cold while breastfeeding?

Pain relievers, nonsedating antihistamines, nasal sprays, and over-the-counter cough medicines are generally safe to take while breastfeeding. However, people should avoid ingredients that cause drowsiness, irritability, and reduced milk production.

Can you take Halls lozenges while breastfeeding?

Most lozenges with menthol are safe for nursing moms because very little makes it into the milk supply. However, menthol is derived from peppermint oil, which may reduce milk supply in some women. It’s probably best to avoid consuming large amounts of peppermint or menthol cough drops.

Are cepacol lozenges safe while breastfeeding?

Benzocaine cough drops or lozenges (with or without menthol) are an excellent choice for cough relief in breastfeeding mothers. Common trade names: Cepacol.

Can you take Ricola lozenges while breastfeeding?

In principle, Ricola products are safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. For your own safety, however, we recommend that you consult your doctor in advance to rule out any allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients in our products. All the ingredients are listed on the packaging.

Can I take chloraseptic lozenges 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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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