Can a breastfeeding mother take Nexium?

Can a Breastfeeding Mother Take Nexium?
Nexium, known generically as esomeprazole, is a proton pump inhibitor commonly prescribed for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other stomach-related issues. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether it is safe to take Nexium is crucial, as they must consider both their health and the well-being of their infants.
Safety Profile During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that esomeprazole is excreted into breast milk in very low amounts. Specifically, studies show that maternal doses of 10 mg daily result in minimal levels of the drug in breast milk, which are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. The drug’s high serum-protein-binding capacity means that even when it does enter breast milk, it does so in a non-significant quantity, and the acidic environment of an infant’s stomach further neutralizes any potential impact.
Expert Recommendations
While some sources suggest that the benefits of taking Nexium may outweigh the risks for breastfeeding mothers, caution is still advised. The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that if a mother requires Nexium for a legitimate medical reason, it can be used safely under the guidance of a healthcare provider. However, it is essential for mothers to discuss their specific circumstances with their doctors to ensure that the medication is necessary and to monitor any potential effects on their infants.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can take Nexium, but it should be done with medical supervision. The low levels of the drug in breast milk and the lack of reported side effects in infants provide some reassurance. Nevertheless, each case is unique, and consulting with a healthcare professional is the best course of action to ensure both maternal health and infant safety.

Is it safe to take Nexium while breastfeeding?

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, it is OK to take esomeprazole while you’re breastfeeding. The small amount of information we have about this shows that esomeprazole passes into breast milk in very small amounts. Your baby will not absorb a lot into their body from breast milk.

What is a safer alternative to Nexium?

Alternatives can offer relief for occasional use, such as:

• chewable calcium carbonate tablets.
• liquids like aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (Maalox) or aluminum/magnesium/simethicone (Mylanta)
• acid-reducing drugs like famotidine (Pepcid) or cimetidine (Tagamet)

Who should not take Nexium?

If you have an autoimmune disease, liver disease, low magnesium or vitamin B-12 levels or osteoporosis. If you’re pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. If you took OTC Nexium for more than 14 days and are experiencing bloody stools, severe heartburn, nausea, vomiting or unexplained weight loss.

Is omeprazole bad for breastfeeding?

Omeprazole and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy it is OK to take omeprazole while you’re breastfeeding. There is a little information available which shows that omeprazole passes into breast milk in tiny amounts, but your baby will not absorb a lot into their body.

What acid reflux medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Antacids, alginates, H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors can be used during breastfeeding.

Does Nexium stop reflux in babies?

Proton Pump Inhibitors
3 The PPIs that are approved for infants over one month old are Nexium (esomeprazole) and Prilosec (omeprazole). While PPIs are available OTC, the formulations are only for adults. Your provider will have to prescribe PPIs for your baby if they want you to try them for infant reflux.

Is Nexium the same as omeprazole?

Omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium) are similar drugs. However, there are minor differences in their chemical makeup. Prilosec contains two isomers of the drug omeprazole, while Nexium only contains one isomer.

Can I take Nexium 40 mg while pregnant?

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has categorized Nexium in the pregnancy category B. This category indicates Nexium is generally considered safe to use while pregnant. However, there have been some reports of fetal re-absorption and lethality in the embryo in animal studies.

Does Nexium cause constipation in babies?

Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away: Headache. Stomach pain or diarrhea. Constipation.

How do you treat acid reflux in breastfed babies?

Helping your baby with reflux

1. get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
2. hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
3. burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
4. make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)