Can you use phenylephrine when breastfeeding?

Understanding Phenylephrine Use During Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing cold symptoms or nasal congestion, many nursing mothers may wonder about the safety of using phenylephrine, a common decongestant. The available information suggests that while phenylephrine may not pose a direct risk to breastfeeding infants, there are significant considerations regarding its impact on milk production.
Limited Research on Breastfeeding and Phenylephrine
Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive studies specifically examining the effects of phenylephrine on breastfeeding. Most of the available data comes from animal studies, which indicate that phenylephrine could potentially reduce milk supply. This is a crucial factor for nursing mothers to consider, as maintaining an adequate milk supply is essential for infant nutrition.
Impact on Milk Production
Phenylephrine is known to have a vasoconstrictive effect, which can lead to decreased milk production. Similar medications, such as pseudoephedrine, have been documented to have this effect in nursing mothers. Although the oral bioavailability of phenylephrine is relatively low—around 40%—this does not eliminate the risk of reduced milk supply when taken orally or intravenously.
Alternative Options for Relief
Given the potential risks associated with phenylephrine, many healthcare professionals recommend exploring alternative remedies for cold symptoms. Natural options such as lemon, honey, ginger, and warm fluids can provide relief without the risk of impacting milk production. Additionally, nasal sprays containing phenylephrine may be a safer alternative, as they are less likely to affect lactation compared to oral forms.
Conclusion: Caution is Key
In summary, while phenylephrine may not directly harm a breastfeeding infant, its potential to decrease milk supply makes it a less favorable choice for nursing mothers. The absence of specific research on its effects during breastfeeding further complicates the decision. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and considering alternative treatments is advisable for mothers seeking relief from cold symptoms.

Is phenylephrine safe to take while pregnant?

And decreased blood flow can prevent the fetus from getting enough oxygen, which can cause birth defects or make the baby’s heart beat too slowly. Because of this risk, you should not take oral phenylephrine during pregnancy. On the other hand, intranasal phenylephrine mostly affects just the nasal passages.

What is safe to take for a cold while breastfeeding?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

What can I take while breastfeeding instead of Sudafed?

For this reason, oxymetazoline is probably a better choice than oral systemic decongestants such as pseudoephedrine during breastfeeding. Oxymetazoline should only be used briefly, no more than 3 days, to avoid rebound congestion. Common trade name: Afrin.

Why is phenylephrine preferred in pregnancy?

Phenylephrine (PE) is currently the recommended vasopressor of choice for treating/preventing spinal anesthesia -induced hypotension during cesarean section [5]. As a pure α-agonist, PE causes reflex bradycardia which may lead to decrease in maternal CO [6].

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

Is it okay to take phenylephrine while breastfeeding?

AVOID decongestant tablets, powders or drinks. Many people take decongestant tablets, powders and lemon drinks when they have a cold or sinus pain. Although they are unlikely to affect a breastfeeding baby they have a potential significant impact on milk supply and should be avoided during breastfeeding.

What decongestant is safe while breastfeeding?

Nasal decongestant sprays, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine), are the preferred decongestants for pregnant and breastfeeding women for temporary relief from sinus congestion.

Is phenylephrine bad for babies?

Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including products that contain phenylephrine, can cause serious side effects or death in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age.

Who should avoid phenylephrine?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus or. Heart or blood vessel disease or. High blood pressure or. Overactive thyroid—Nasal phenylephrine may make the condition worse.

What is the best decongestant to dry up breast milk?

The cold medication pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) may help reduce milk production. Researchers found that participants who took the pseudoephedrine had a significant reduction in breastmilk production compared to the participants who took a placebo (a pill that looks like medication but contains no medication).