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Understanding Excedrin and Breastfeeding
Excedrin is a widely used over-the-counter medication, primarily known for its effectiveness in treating headaches and migraines. However, for breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether it is safe to take Excedrin and subsequently breastfeed is a significant concern. The active ingredients in Excedrin include acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine, each of which has different implications for breastfeeding.
Safety of Active Ingredients
1. Acetaminophen: This ingredient is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when used as directed. Studies indicate that acetaminophen passes into breast milk in very small amounts, which are unlikely to affect a nursing infant. Therefore, if a mother takes Excedrin containing acetaminophen, she can typically continue breastfeeding without significant risk to her baby.
2. Aspirin: The situation with aspirin is more complex. While limited amounts of aspirin may enter breast milk, it is advisable for mothers to exercise caution. Experts suggest that if a mother takes a large dose of aspirin (such as 500 mg), she should wait at least 12 hours before breastfeeding to minimize any potential exposure to the infant. This precaution is particularly important because aspirin can have more pronounced effects on infants compared to acetaminophen.
3. Caffeine: Caffeine is another component of Excedrin. It is known to pass into breast milk, but in moderate amounts, it is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The key is moderation; excessive caffeine intake can lead to irritability and sleep disturbances in infants.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding After Taking Excedrin
Given the varying safety profiles of the ingredients in Excedrin, healthcare professionals often recommend that breastfeeding mothers be cautious. While acetaminophen and caffeine can be consumed in moderation, the presence of aspirin necessitates a more careful approach.
If a mother takes Excedrin, particularly formulations that contain aspirin, it is prudent to:
– Wait before breastfeeding: After taking a dose that includes aspirin, waiting for at least 12 hours before breastfeeding is advisable to reduce any potential risks to the infant.
– Consult healthcare providers: It is always best for mothers to discuss their specific situation with a healthcare professional, who can provide personalized advice based on the dosage and frequency of Excedrin use.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding after taking Excedrin is generally manageable, it requires careful consideration of the medication’s ingredients. Acetaminophen and caffeine are relatively safe, but aspirin poses potential risks that warrant caution. Mothers should prioritize their health while also being mindful of their baby’s safety, making informed decisions based on medical advice and personal circumstances.
What if baby drinks bad breast milk?
If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.
How long do you have to wait to breastfeed after taking a pain pill?
The amount that transfers into breast milk is 2.2-3.7% of your dose. We think short term use is probably ok if you do not exceed 40mg in 24 hours. We recommend taking the medication after nursing so you have a break before nursing again as the medication peaks in the breast milk in the first 2 hours after taking it.
How long after taking acetaminophen can you breastfeed?
Drug Levels
Peak milk levels of 10 to 15 mg/L occurred between 1 and 2 hours after the dose in all patients. Acetaminophen was undetectable (<0.5 mg/L) in all mothers 12 hours after the dose.
Can I take Excedrin in the first trimester?
Excedrin and Pregnancy: The Connection
Acetaminophen is generally considered safe when used as directed during pregnancy. It is one of the most commonly recommended pain relievers for pregnant women.
What can I take for a migraine while breastfeeding?
Women with migraine may be concerned about breastfeeding due to fears of exposing the baby to medication. However, many medications can be safely taken during breastfeeding, including acetaminophen (Tylenol), anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), and sumatriptan (Imitrex).
Is Excedrin safe for pregnancy?
“I usually say Tylenol is the safest option for pain and headache management within pregnancy,” Langan said. “You can also take Excedrin Tension Headache.” For a natural approach, pregnant women can try a small dose of natural caffeine, like chocolate or coffee for under 200 milligrams of caffeine.
How long does it take for Excedrin to wear off?
How long does Excedrin Migraine last? In three placebo-controlled studies, an acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine combination (equivalent to Excedrin Migraine) was shown to last up to 6 hours when taken to relieve migraine headache pain.
Can I breastfeed after taking Excedrin?
Headache Medications to Avoid When Breastfeeding
Aspirin: Don’t take aspirin or aspirin-containing products when you’re breastfeeding because the drug can cause adverse effects in your baby. Remember that there’s often aspirin in over-the-counter headache medications like Excedrin and Excedrin Migraine.
Do pain killers pass through breast milk?
Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants.
Why was Excedrin taken off the market?
Why is there a shortage of Excedrin®? In their official statement, GlaxoSmithKline said they’ve halted production because of “inconsistencies in how we transfer and weigh ingredients.” There isn’t a nationwide shortage yet, but drugstores won’t be able to restock once they run out of their current supply.