Can a breastfeeding mom take hydrocodone?

Can a Breastfeeding Mom Take Hydrocodone?
The question of whether a breastfeeding mother can safely take hydrocodone is a complex one, involving considerations of both maternal health and infant safety. Hydrocodone, a powerful opioid pain reliever often prescribed for moderate to severe pain, is known to pass into breast milk, raising concerns about its effects on nursing infants.
Safety of Hydrocodone During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that maternal dosages of hydrocodone up to 30 to 35 mg daily are generally considered unlikely to adversely affect breastfed neonates. This conclusion is supported by studies that have examined the pharmacokinetics of hydrocodone and its metabolites in breastfeeding mothers. However, it is crucial to note that prolonged use of dosages exceeding 40 mg daily may pose risks to infants, particularly regarding potential opioid exposure.
A study highlighted by U.S. researchers suggests that smaller doses of hydrocodone may be safe for women nursing newborns. This finding is particularly relevant for mothers who require pain management after surgery or injury. Nevertheless, the consensus among healthcare professionals is that any use of opioids during breastfeeding should be approached with caution.
Risks and Considerations
While moderate doses may be acceptable, there are significant risks associated with hydrocodone use in breastfeeding mothers. For instance, up to 9% of the hydrocodone dose can be ingested by a breastfeeding infant, which raises concerns about potential side effects, including sedation and respiratory depression. Additionally, mothers who are “ultrarapid metabolizers” of the drug may inadvertently expose their infants to higher levels of hydrocodone, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes.
Healthcare providers often recommend that mothers using hydrocodone should monitor their infants for any signs of excessive sedation or difficulty breathing. If a mother has been taking hydrocodone regularly or has a history of opioid dependency, it is crucial not to stop the medication abruptly, as this could lead to withdrawal symptoms that may affect both the mother and the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, while hydrocodone can be taken by breastfeeding mothers under certain conditions, it is essential for them to consult with their healthcare provider to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. Individual circumstances, including the mother’s health status, the dosage of hydrocodone, and the infant’s health, should all be considered before making a decision. Ultimately, the safety of both mother and child should be the guiding principle in any treatment involving opioids during breastfeeding.

Is it safe to take hydrocodone while pregnant?

Taking opioids during pregnancy can cause problems for you and your baby. The possible risks include: Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) – withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and poor feeding in newborns. Neural tube defects – birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

How soon after narcotics can you breastfeed?

A breastfeeding plan
If you do use drugs such as amphetamines or heroin as a one-off, you will need to express your breast milk in the 24 hours afterwards and throw it away before you breastfeed again. After using drugs, it is not safe for you to care for or breastfeed your baby.

Which is stronger, hydrocodone or oxycodone?

Is there a difference between hydrocodone and oxycodone? One key difference is that oxycodone is more potent than hydrocodone. This means that it takes less oxycodone to produce the same effects as hydrocodone. Oxycodone is also more likely to be abused than hydrocodone because it produces stronger effects.

What can I take for joint pain while breastfeeding?

It is important to consider a pain reliever’s benefits for you and its effect on your baby. Ibuprofen is usually the preferred first step because little of it passes through breastmilk. Acetaminophen also is safe to take while breastfeeding.

How long do opioids stay in breastmilk?

Tramadol (Ultram) can stay in breast milk for longer than 10 hours. Fentanyl (Duragesic) stays in breast milk for an unclear amount of time. Methadone (Methadose) likely stays in breastmilk for up to 50 hours, based on its half-life in breastmilk of 8 to 10 hours.

What is the safest opioid while breastfeeding?

Morphine is the strong opioid analgesic of choice for treating pain in breastfeeding. Recommendations apply to full term and healthy infants only.

What painkillers are safe while breastfeeding?

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only.

Can I take oxycodone while breastfeeding?

Oxycodone and breastfeeding
Although only small amounts of oxycodone pass into breast milk, it may still cause side effects in your baby such as breathing problems, being very sleepy, or difficulty feeding. Because of this potential risk, your doctor may recommend a different painkiller while you’re breastfeeding.

Is hydrocodone safe while breastfeeding?

tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking hydrocodone. Hydrocodone can cause shallow breathing, difficulty or noisy breathing, confusion, more than usual sleepiness, trouble breastfeeding, or limpness in breastfed infants.