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Can you breastfeed with Excedrin Migraine?

Can You Breastfeed with Excedrin Migraine?
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing pain while ensuring the safety of their infants. One common medication that raises questions in this context is Excedrin Migraine, a popular over-the-counter remedy for migraine relief. Understanding its components and their implications for breastfeeding is crucial for nursing mothers.
Composition of Excedrin Migraine
Excedrin Migraine contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Each of these components has different safety profiles when it comes to breastfeeding.
– Acetaminophen is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when used as directed. It is known to pass into breast milk in small amounts, but studies suggest that it poses minimal risk to infants.
– Caffeine, another ingredient, is also deemed safe in moderate amounts. It can pass into breast milk, but the levels are typically low and unlikely to affect a breastfeeding infant.
– The most concerning ingredient for breastfeeding mothers is aspirin. While research indicates that limited amounts of aspirin may enter breast milk, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using Excedrin Migraine while nursing.
Recommendations for Use
Given the potential risks associated with aspirin, healthcare professionals often recommend caution. It is suggested that if a mother takes a higher dose of aspirin (such as 500 mg), she should consider withholding breastfeeding for about 12 hours to minimize any potential exposure to the infant. This precaution is particularly important for mothers who may need to take Excedrin Migraine frequently or in large doses.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
Before taking Excedrin Migraine, breastfeeding mothers should have a thorough discussion with their healthcare provider. This conversation should cover the severity of the migraine, the necessity of medication, and possible alternative treatments that may be safer during breastfeeding .
Conclusion
In summary, while Excedrin Migraine can be effective for treating migraines, its use during breastfeeding requires careful consideration. The presence of aspirin necessitates a cautious approach, and mothers are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to ensure both their health and the safety of their infants. By doing so, they can make informed decisions that balance effective pain management with the well-being of their child.

Is it okay to take Excedrin Migraine when pregnant?

Excedrin Migraine also contains acetaminophen, which is considered safe to take throughout pregnancy. It also contains caffeine. There is about as much caffeine (130 mg) in the recommended 2-tablet dose of Excedrin Migraine as there is in one 8-ounce cup of coffee.

What migraine medications are safe while breastfeeding?

Many commonly used migraine medications may be compatible with breast-feeding based on expert recommendations. Ibuprofen, diclofenac, and eletriptan are among acute medications with low levels in breast milk, but studies of triptans are limited.

Is there a difference between Excedrin and Excedrin Migraine?

Excedrin Migraine provides migraine relief, while Excedrin Extra Strength can temporarily relieve minor aches and pains from headaches, a cold, arthritis, muscular aches, toothache, and premenstrual and menstrual cramps.

Which painkiller should be avoided during breastfeeding?

Products containing aspirin (including Anadin Original® and Disprin®) for pain relief are not recommended whilst you are breastfeeding because there is a possible link between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome in children, especially if your child has a viral infection or fever.

Who cannot take Excedrin Migraine?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma (including a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen), certain blood disorders (such as anemia), bleeding or blood clotting problems ( …

Which headache medicine is safe during 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.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug Comment
Antineoplastics Leukopenia, bone marrow suppression
Gold salts Rash, nephritis, haematological abnormalities
Iodine High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring

Is Excedrin Migraine safe while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding. Be sure to talk with your doctor before using this drug while breastfeeding. Acetaminophen, one of the active ingredients in Excedrin Migraine, is safe for use while breastfeeding. However, the aspirin in Excedrin Migraine can pass into breast milk.

What can a pregnant woman take for a migraine headache?

Medicines to treat migraine should only be used in pregnancy on the advice of a doctor, who will help to weigh up the benefits of treatment against any risks. Paracetamol is the first-choice treatment for mild-to-moderate pain in pregnancy. It has an excellent overall safety profile.

What can I take for bad migraine while pregnant?

How can I treat migraine in pregnancy?

  • Paracetamol is the first-choice treatment for mild-to-moderate pain in pregnancy.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might be recommended by a doctor in the first and second trimesters if paracetamol does not control migraine pain.
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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