Does NyQuil decrease breast milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of NyQuil on Breast Milk Supply
NyQuil, a popular over-the-counter medication used to relieve cold and flu symptoms, raises important questions for breastfeeding mothers regarding its safety and effects on breast milk supply. The primary concern revolves around its active ingredients, particularly doxylamine, an antihistamine, and phenylephrine, a decongestant.
Effects on Milk Supply
Research indicates that certain components of NyQuil can indeed affect breast milk production. Specifically, phenylephrine, a common decongestant found in many cold medications, has been noted to potentially decrease milk supply. This is a significant consideration for breastfeeding mothers, as maintaining an adequate milk supply is crucial for infant nutrition.
Moreover, the sedative effects of doxylamine can also pose risks. While it helps alleviate symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing, it may lead to drowsiness in the mother, which can impair her ability to safely hold or nurse her baby. This drowsiness can be particularly concerning in the immediate postpartum period, where vigilance is essential for the safety of both mother and child.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Given these potential risks, healthcare professionals generally advise against the use of NyQuil while breastfeeding. It is recommended that mothers consult with their healthcare provider before taking any medication that contains these ingredients. If a mother chooses to use NyQuil, it is crucial to monitor her milk supply closely and stay hydrated, as increased fluid intake can help support milk production.
In summary, while NyQuil may provide relief from cold symptoms, its impact on breast milk supply and the potential side effects on infants make it a medication that should be approached with caution by breastfeeding mothers. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and alternatives that may be safer for both mother and baby.

Does NyQuil affect breast milk supply?

Graseck says that medicines containing the decongestants pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine can impact your milk supply. “I tell my patients that anything that can dry out your nose can also dry out your milk,” Dr. Graseck says. For that reason, you’ll want to avoid medicines like Nyquil and Sudafed.

Will DayQuil dry up breast milk?

Other medications, like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, can hinder milk production and cause irritability or other side effects in babies. Avoid products sold under the brand names Benedryl, Sudafed, NyQuil, and DayQuil while lactating.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

Does cold medicine reduce breast milk supply?

Decongestants and steam inhalations
Sudafed®, Beechams all-in-one®, Sinutab®, drug names include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine) are not recommended when you are breastfeeding because they may reduce your breastmilk supply.

How long does NyQuil stay in your system?

NyQuil products can take 2 days or more to fully leave your system. But how long NyQuil stays in your body can depend on the specific product, which may contain various combinations of the following OTC medications: Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is found in many cold and flu medications.

Do cough drops lower breast milk supply?

Most lozenges with menthol are safe for nursing moms because very little makes it into the milk supply. However, menthol is derived from peppermint oil, which may reduce milk supply in some women. It’s probably best to avoid consuming large amounts of peppermint or menthol cough drops.

Does cold dry up breast milk?

Heat encourages milk flow; cold therapy can help stop or lessen making milk. If you are very full, first apply heat, with either a shower or warm compress.

Does DayQuil dry up breast milk?

Other medications, like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, can hinder milk production and cause irritability or other side effects in babies. Avoid products sold under the brand names Benedryl, Sudafed, NyQuil, and DayQuil while lactating.

Can I drink DayQuil if I’m breastfeeding?

Most cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding, especially if you take them short term and only when you need them. Some of the medications that are safe include: Expectorants that contain guaifenesin (Mucinex®, Robitussin® and others). Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (DayQuil®, Delsym® and others).

What medications decrease milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.