Can I take percocet and breastfeed?

Can I Take Percocet and Breastfeed?
The question of whether it is safe to take Percocet while breastfeeding is a significant concern for new mothers managing pain. Percocet, a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, is an opioid pain medication that can have serious implications for both the mother and her infant.
Risks of Oxycodone in Breast Milk
Research indicates that oxycodone, the opioid component of Percocet, can transfer into breast milk. This transfer poses potential risks to breastfeeding infants, particularly newborns who are more sensitive to the effects of opioids. Maternal use of oral opioids during breastfeeding has been linked to infant drowsiness, which can escalate to severe central nervous system depression in rare cases. Infants exposed to oxycodone through breast milk may exhibit symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, difficulty latching, and poor feeding.
Guidelines and Recommendations
Health authorities generally advise against the use of Percocet while breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary. The NHS notes that while oxycodone may be used occasionally for severe pain, it is not typically recommended for breastfeeding mothers. The consensus among healthcare professionals is clear: if a mother can manage her pain with non-opioid alternatives, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin), those options should be prioritized.
Considerations for Pain Management
For mothers recovering from surgery or dealing with significant pain, the need for effective pain management is crucial. However, the potential risks to the infant must be weighed carefully. If a healthcare provider prescribes Percocet, it is essential for the mother to discuss the implications thoroughly, including monitoring the infant for any adverse effects.
In summary, while Percocet can provide relief for severe pain, its use during breastfeeding is fraught with risks that can affect the infant’s health. Mothers are encouraged to explore safer alternatives and consult with their healthcare providers to ensure both their well-being and that of their child.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after taking painkillers?

adjust your prescription to a level that’s safe for your baby. medication is at its highest level in your body 1 to 2 hours after you take it. If you take it right before feeding, the medication should be out of your body before your next feeding.

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.

How long does it take for oxycodone to leave breast milk?

Conclusions: Oxycodone is concentrated in human breast milk up to 72-h post-partum. Breastfed infants may receive > 10% of a therapeutic infant dose. However, maternal oxycodone intake up to 72-h post-CS poses only minimal risk to the breast-feeding infant as low volumes of breast milk are ingested during this period.

Can I take percocet while breastfeeding?

It’s safe to nurse your baby if you’re taking prescribed opioids for a short period of time, like after surgery. It’s not safe to nurse your baby while you take opioids with other downers like benzodiazepines or alcohol. It’s not safe to nurse your baby while you’re taking opioids that aren’t from a pharmacy.

Is percocet safe to take while pregnant?

Taking opioids during pregnancy can cause serious problems for your baby. If you’re pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant and taking an opioid, tell your health care provider. You may be able to change to a medicine that’s safer for your baby.

What pain pills can I take 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 breastfeed on percocet?

It’s safe to nurse your baby if you’re taking prescribed opioids for a short period of time, like after surgery. It’s not safe to nurse your baby while you take opioids with other downers like benzodiazepines or alcohol. It’s not safe to nurse your baby while you’re taking opioids that aren’t from a pharmacy.

Which drugs Cannot be taken when breastfeeding?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.

Is percocet the same as oxycodone?

Percocet contains five milligrams of oxycodone, which is all released when the pill is taken. Percocet also contains acetaminophen (the drug in Tylenol), which can cause liver damage if you take a lot of it. Oxycodone-CR products contain only oxycodone. When taken as prescribed, the drug is released over several hours.

Can you breastfeed while on percocet?

It’s safe to nurse your baby if you’re taking prescribed opioids for a short period of time, like after surgery. It’s not safe to nurse your baby while you take opioids with other downers like benzodiazepines or alcohol. It’s not safe to nurse your baby while you’re taking opioids that aren’t from a pharmacy.