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Can I take 1200 mg of ibuprofen while breastfeeding?

Understanding Ibuprofen Use While Breastfeeding
For new mothers navigating the challenges of postpartum recovery, pain relief is often a pressing concern. One common question arises: Is it safe to take 1200 mg of ibuprofen while breastfeeding? The short answer is yes, but let’s delve deeper into the details.
Safety of Ibuprofen During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that ibuprofen is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Studies show that when mothers take ibuprofen, only a small amount of the medication passes into breast milk. For instance, a study involving 13 women found that the average concentration of ibuprofen in breast milk was about 361 mcg/L, with a range from 164 to 590 mcg/L after doses averaging around 1012 mg daily . This suggests that even at higher doses, the levels in breast milk remain low and are unlikely to affect the nursing infant.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage for breastfeeding mothers mirrors that of non-breastfeeding adults. Typically, this is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours, with a maximum daily limit of 1200 mg. This guideline ensures that mothers can manage pain effectively while minimizing any potential risks to their babies.
Considerations and Precautions
While ibuprofen is deemed safe, it is essential for mothers to monitor their infants for any unusual behavior, such as changes in feeding patterns. If any concerns arise, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. Additionally, mothers with specific health conditions, such as asthma, should exercise caution, as ibuprofen can trigger bronchospasms in some individuals.
Conclusion
In summary, taking 1200 mg of ibuprofen while breastfeeding is generally safe and effective for pain relief. The low levels of ibuprofen that transfer into breast milk pose minimal risk to infants, allowing mothers to manage discomfort without significant worry. As always, it’s best to follow medical advice and stay attuned to any changes in your baby’s behavior.

Can ibuprofen upset breastfed baby?

You can take ibuprofen or use it on your skin while breastfeeding. It is one of the painkillers that’s usually recommended if you’re breastfeeding. Only tiny amounts get into breast milk and it’s unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. Many people have used it while breastfeeding without any problems.

What happens if I accidentally took ibuprofen while pregnant?

Potential Risk Factors and Side Effects of Taking Ibuprofen in Pregnancy. When taken at or after week 20 of pregnancy, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs “may cause rare but serious kidney problems” in baby, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Can I take 800 mg ibuprofen every 4 hours?

How often can I take it? In adults, the prescription dose of ibuprofen is 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours or 600 to 800 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed, with a maximum dose of 3200 mg per day. The over-the-counter ibuprofen dose is 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 1200 mg per day.

How long does it take for ibuprofen to get into breast milk?

Drug Levels
A milk ibuprofen level of 13 mcg/L was detected 30 minutes after the first dose. The highest level measured was 180 mcg/L about 4 hours after the third dose, 20.5 hours after the first dose.

How long does 1200 mg ibuprofen stay in your system?

It can take up to 24 hours to completely rid your system of ibuprofen, even though its effects generally last about 4 to 6 hours. According to the prescribing information, the ibuprofen half-life is about two hours. In case of an ibuprofen overdose, call 911 or Poison Control at 800-222-1222.

Can I take 1200 mg of ibuprofen while pregnant?

Is it safe to take ibuprofen during pregnancy? Although ibuprofen can offer quick relief from aches and pains when you’re not pregnant, it isn’t the best choice to take during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to avoid ibuprofen during pregnancy, especially if they’re 30 or more weeks pregnant.

Is 1200 mg of ibuprofen at once safe?

The recommended dose of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is 200 to 400 milligrams (mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain or fever, without exceeding the maximum daily dose of 1200 mg for over-the-counter. Prescription-strength ibuprofen has a higher maximum dose of 3,200 mg in 24 hours.

Can I take 1200 mg of ibuprofen and Tylenol?

If you have prescription-strength ibuprofen, talk to your prescriber before mixing it with any other medications, including acetaminophen. The recommended limits for adults and children over 12 are: 3,000 mg per day of acetaminophen. 1,200 mg per day of ibuprofen.

How much ibuprofen can a breastfeeding mother take?

It is safe to take up to the daily recommended dose of ibuprofen while breastfeeding. In a recent study, one group of women were given 400mg of ibuprofen twice a day, and another group was given the same amount every 6 hours. When samples of the breast milk were taken afterward, no traces of ibuprofen were found.

How long does it take for ibuprofen to kick in in a baby?

Your child should start to feel better about 20 to 30 minutes after taking ibuprofen. Talk to a doctor if they need to take it for more than 3 days (or 1 day if they’re under 6 months) or their symptoms do not improve or they get worse. Are there any long-term side effects?

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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