Can you take Excedrin when breastfeeding?

Understanding Excedrin Use During Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing pain while breastfeeding, many mothers find themselves questioning the safety of various medications, including Excedrin. This over-the-counter pain reliever is commonly used for headaches and migraines, but its use during lactation raises important considerations.
The Ingredients of Excedrin
Excedrin typically contains a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Each of these components has different implications for breastfeeding mothers. Acetaminophen is generally regarded as safe for nursing mothers when used as directed, as it passes into breast milk in small amounts and is unlikely to harm a breastfeeding infant. However, the presence of aspirin is more controversial; it is often advised that breastfeeding mothers avoid it due to potential risks, such as Reye’s syndrome in children.
Recommendations from Health Professionals
Health experts strongly recommend that breastfeeding mothers consult with healthcare professionals before taking any medication, including Excedrin. This is crucial because individual health circumstances can vary significantly. A registered nurse and lactation consultant emphasized the importance of personalized advice, suggesting that safer alternatives may be available.
Moreover, while some evidence indicates that acetaminophen and caffeine can be consumed in moderation during breastfeeding, the combination found in Excedrin may not be advisable for all mothers. The caffeine content, while generally safe, can affect infants differently, potentially leading to increased irritability or sleep disturbances.
Caution and Alternatives
Given the mixed recommendations surrounding Excedrin, many healthcare providers suggest that breastfeeding mothers consider alternative pain relief options. Non-medication strategies, such as rest, hydration, and relaxation techniques, can also be effective in managing headaches and migraines.
In summary, while acetaminophen is typically safe for breastfeeding mothers, the use of Excedrin—particularly due to its aspirin content—should be approached with caution. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to ensure both the mother’s and the infant’s health are prioritized.

Is Excedrin Migraine ok for pregnancy?

Consult with your health care provider before taking Excedrin Migraine during your first two trimesters as well, since it contains full-dose aspirin. Although low-dose aspirin is considered safe during pregnancy, it is recommended that you avoid full-dose aspirin after your 20th week of gestation.

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

Is Excedrin safe while breastfeeding?

Recent data shows that acetaminophen, one of the active ingredients in Excedrin, is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when used as directed. However, aspirin and caffeine, also found in Excedrin, may pose potential risks to the nursing infant.

What pain reliever is OK for breastfeeding?

You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen together during breastfeeding if needed, up to their maximum daily doses. If your baby needs to take ibuprofen suspension (e.g. Nurofen for Children®) whilst you are taking ibuprofen, they can do so at their own full and normal dose.

What can I take for postpartum headache?

Treatment for postpartum headaches is similar to treatment for any other headaches. Options include: Taking headache medicine: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and over-the-counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen sodium) can help ease headache symptoms.

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.

How can I stop headaches while breastfeeding?

Non-Pharmacological Options

1. Prioritizing good sleep.
2. Eating regular meals and staying hydrated.
3. Daily walks/Exercise.
4. Wearing your prescription glasses if you are supposed to (avoid eye strain)
5. Avoiding known triggers (including common dietary triggers)
6. Migraine diary app (free: Migraine Buddy)

Who cannot take Excedrin?

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 painkiller should be avoided during breastfeeding?

Codeine and dihydrocodeine are weak opioids that are available over the counter in combination with other medications described above. Codeine is not recommended when you are breastfeeding.

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).