Can you breastfeed while taking furosemide?

Can You Breastfeed While Taking Furosemide?
Furosemide, commonly known by its brand name Lasix, is a loop diuretic frequently prescribed to manage conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disorders. However, its use during breastfeeding raises important considerations for nursing mothers.
Furosemide and Breast Milk
Research indicates that furosemide does pass into breast milk, albeit in small amounts. The implications of this transfer are significant, particularly for newborns and preterm infants. According to the available data, while low doses of furosemide (around 20 mg daily) may not significantly suppress lactation, higher doses can lead to intense diuresis, which might reduce milk production. This is a crucial factor for mothers who are concerned about maintaining their milk supply while managing their health conditions.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Given the potential effects of furosemide on lactation and the infant, healthcare providers often recommend caution. The general consensus among medical professionals is that while it may be possible to breastfeed while taking furosemide, it is advisable to consider alternative medications, especially for those nursing newborns or preterm infants. The lack of extensive studies on the long-term effects of furosemide on breastfeeding infants further complicates the decision-making process.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
For mothers currently taking furosemide or considering its use, it is essential to have an open dialogue with healthcare providers. Discussing the risks and benefits of continuing the medication while breastfeeding can help in making informed choices. Providers may suggest monitoring the infant for any adverse effects or adjusting the medication regimen to ensure both maternal health and infant safety.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding while taking furosemide is not outright contraindicated, it requires careful consideration and professional guidance. The potential for reduced milk production and the transfer of the medication into breast milk necessitates a tailored approach to each individual case. Mothers should prioritize communication with their healthcare team to navigate these complexities effectively.

What are the two worst blood pressure medications?

5 of the worst blood pressure medications

1. Beta blockers. Usually, beta blockers aren’t used as first-choice therapies to lower blood pressure.
2. Loop diuretics. Furosemide (Lasix) is a type of diuretic (water pill) known as a loop diuretic.
3. Alpha blockers.
4. Vasodilators.
5. Alpha-2 agonists.

What not to do when taking furosemide?

If you’re taking a diuretic such as furosemide, it’s important not to have too much salt in your food because this can stop it working. Do not eat foods that have a lot of salt in them, such as processed foods or ready-meals. Do not add extra salt when you’re cooking or at the table.

Is it safe to take furosemide while breastfeeding?

Furosemide and breastfeeding
It would not be expected to cause any side effects in your baby, but furosemide may reduce the amount of milk you produce. If you’re breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as other medicines might be better while breastfeeding.

Does furosemide worsen heart failure?

Although frusemide seems to have an acute venodilator effect which may be beneficial to the failing heart its action on arteries may be detrimental. Studies examining patients with chronic heart failure have found that frusemide principally causes arterial vasoconstriction.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

When should furosemide be stopped?

If increasing azotemia and oliguria occur during severe progressive renal disease treatment, furosemide should be discontinued.

Is it OK to take diuretics while breastfeeding?

Diuretics and beta blockers, commonly preferred antihypertensives, are safe for use in lactating women, with some precautions. In general, it is preferable to avoid high dosages of any one medication by either changing medications or adding an additional agent.

What should the nurse do when a patient is taking furosemide?

Assess fluid status. Monitor daily weight, intake and output ratios, amount and location of edema, lung sounds, skin turgor, and mucous membranes. Notify health care professional if thirst, dry mouth, lethargy, weakness, hypotension, or oliguria occurs. Monitor BP and pulse before and during administration.

How long does furosemide stay in your system?

The drug starts to work within an hour after you take it. And it takes about 2 hours for half of a dose of the drug to leave your body. (Two hours is the drug’s half-life.) But furosemide stays in your system and continues to work for about 6 to 8 hours after you take it.

What are the side effects of furosemide in nursing patients?

Furosemide, like any medication, can cause certain side effects. Common side effects include increased urination, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, and electrolyte imbalances.