Can you take triptans while breastfeeding?

Can You Take Triptans While Breastfeeding?
When it comes to managing migraines during breastfeeding, many mothers may wonder about the safety of using triptans, a class of medications commonly prescribed for migraine relief. The good news is that current evidence suggests that triptans, particularly sumatriptan, are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Safety Profile of Triptans
Research indicates that the amount of triptans that passes into breast milk is minimal. For instance, sumatriptan, one of the most widely used triptans, has been shown to have low levels in breast milk, which means that the exposure for nursing infants is quite limited. This low absorption rate is reassuring for mothers concerned about potential adverse effects on their babies.
In fact, studies have found that sumatriptan is compatible with breastfeeding, and it is not expected to cause any harmful effects in most breastfed infants. The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that the benefits of treating a migraine with triptans outweigh the risks associated with breastfeeding.
Considerations for Use
While sumatriptan is deemed safe, there are some considerations to keep in mind. For mothers of preterm infants or those with specific health concerns, healthcare providers may recommend withholding breastfeeding for a short period after taking the medication to further minimize any potential exposure. However, this is typically not necessary for most breastfeeding mothers.
Some side effects have been reported, such as painful or burning sensations in the nipples and breast pain, but these are not common and do not typically affect the infant. Overall, the risk of adverse effects from triptans during breastfeeding appears to be low, and many mothers find that they can manage their migraine symptoms effectively without compromising their breastfeeding routine.
Conclusion
In summary, triptans, particularly sumatriptan, are considered safe for use while breastfeeding. The low levels of these medications in breast milk and the lack of reported adverse effects in infants provide reassurance for mothers seeking relief from migraines. As always, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare provider to discuss their specific situation and any potential risks associated with medication use.

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.

What medications are not compatible with 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.

Are triptans safe in breastfeeding?

Sumatriptan and breastfeeding
Only very small amounts of sumatriptan pass into breast milk and it’s very unlikely to cause any problems for your baby.

How long is sumatriptan in breastmilk?

The manufacturer states avoiding breastfeeding for 12 hours after a dose of sumatriptan can minimize infant exposure. While this may be helpful in some cases (such as when the breastfeeding infant was born preterm), sumatriptan is not expected to cause side effects in most breastfed infants.

What is the safest triptan during pregnancy?

If NSAIDs have been used after the second trimester, a review with an obstetrician may be recommended. Triptan2,3 – Sumatriptan is the preferred triptan in pregnancy and breastfeeding because there has been more experience of its use.

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

What helps postpartum migraines?

Treatments for Postpartum Headaches

1. Get more sleep.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet.
3. Drink more water.
4. Use a cool compress or ice pack.
5. Rest in a dark and quiet room.
6. Take small amounts pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
7. Drink small amounts of caffeine.
8. Get a massage.

What can I take for cluster headaches while breastfeeding?

Thus, the preferred agents for acute treatment of CH during lactation would include oxygen, sumatriptan, and lidocaine; for prevention, prednisone/prednisolone and verapamil would be appropriate first options when required (Table 2) [24].

Can you take eletriptan while breastfeeding?

Both sumatriptan and eletriptan get into the milk in tiny amounts, often less than 1% of the mother’s dose, and are cleared within a few hours. No short-term problems or long-term developmental issues have been documented in breastfeeding infants exposed to these drugs.

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).