Can I take prednisone while breastfeeding?

Understanding Prednisone Use While Breastfeeding
The question of whether it is safe to take prednisone while breastfeeding is a common concern among new mothers. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, is often prescribed for various conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on breastfeeding infants are a critical consideration for nursing mothers.
Safety Profile of Prednisone in Breastfeeding
Research indicates that prednisone is generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding. Studies have shown that the levels of prednisone or its active metabolite, prednisolone, in breast milk are quite low. Specifically, the concentration of the medication peaks about one to two hours after ingestion, but even at these peak levels, the amount transferred to breast milk is minimal and unlikely to harm a breastfeeding infant.
Recommendations for Timing and Dosage
While some sources suggest that mothers may want to wait four hours after taking prednisone before breastfeeding, this precaution is not strictly necessary for everyone. The rationale behind this recommendation is to further minimize the infant’s exposure to the medication. However, given that the levels of prednisone in breast milk are already low, many experts agree that this waiting period may not be essential.
For mothers taking doses up to 40 mg, the consensus is that these levels will not produce adverse effects in breastfed infants. Higher doses are rarely needed for extended periods, and if they are prescribed, close monitoring may be warranted.
Conclusion
In summary, taking prednisone while breastfeeding is generally safe, with minimal transfer to breast milk and no reported adverse effects in infants. Mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to discuss their specific circumstances, including dosage and timing, to ensure both their health and the well-being of their child. This collaborative approach can help alleviate concerns and provide peace of mind for nursing mothers managing their health conditions.

Is prednisone safe while breastfeeding?

Prednisolone and breastfeeding
Prednisolone passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has been used for many years in breastfeeding women without side effects in their babies. If you’re taking a dose of more than 40mg of prednisolone each day for a long time, your baby may need extra monitoring.

Does milk interfere with prednisone?

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance for unwanted effects. Take this medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation.

What interacts badly with prednisone?

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• aldesleukin.
• desmopressin.
• mifepristone.
• drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/warfarin, NSAIDs such as aspirin/celecoxib/ibuprofen)

Which steroid is safe in breastfeeding?

Methylprednisolone is probably suitable to use during breastfeeding as long as it is taken in low-moderate doses (do not exceed 80 mg daily). If high doses are needed pump and dump for 8-12 hours. A one time injection in your back will probably not effect your milk supply, but cannot say for sure everyone is different.

Are there any nursing implications with prednisone?

Monitor personality changes, including depression, euphoria, restlessness, hallucinations, and psychosis. Notify physician if these changes become problematic. Be alert for signs of low potassium levels (hypokalemia) and metabolic acidosis, including hyperventilation, cardiac arrhythmias, dizziness, and confusion.

How long does prednisone stay in your system?

The half-life of prednisone is two to three hours, which means it’ll stay in your system for 11 to 16.5 hours. You shouldn’t stop taking prednisone suddenly. You should taper off the drug slowly under the supervision of your healthcare provider. Sudden stops can create an imbalance of natural steroids in your body.

How does prednisone affect the baby?

Preterm birth and low birth
Following reports that corticosteroids were teratogenic in mice, researchers reported that prednisone use in pregnancy was associated with low birth weight in the full term offspring of both humans and mice.

What medications should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

What does prednisone do to babies?

Prednisone may affect the way your child’s body retains fluid and removes sodium (salt). Lowering the amount of sodium in your child’s diet can lower his or her blood pressure. Mood swings. Prednisone may cause a depressed mood.

Does prednisone increase lactate?

In both humans and dogs, administration of corticosteroids can increase blood lactate concentration, leading to type B hyperlactatemia. This effect could be a consequence of the impact of corticosteroids on glucose metabolism.