How much oxycodone can you take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Oxycodone Use While Breastfeeding
Oxycodone, a powerful opioid pain medication, is often prescribed for managing severe pain. However, its use during breastfeeding raises significant concerns regarding the safety and health of the infant. As mothers navigate the complexities of pain management while caring for a newborn, understanding the implications of oxycodone use is crucial.
Effects on Infants
Research indicates that maternal use of oxycodone can lead to infant drowsiness, which may escalate to severe central nervous system (CNS) depression in rare cases. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to the effects of opioids, and sedation has been reported in breastfed infants following maternal oxycodone use. This sedation can manifest as excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, and in extreme cases, respiratory issues.
Dosage Considerations
While there is no universally accepted safe dosage of oxycodone for breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to approach its use with caution. The amount of oxycodone that enters breast milk is relatively low, but even small quantities can affect a breastfeeding infant. The general recommendation is that if a mother must take oxycodone, it should be done under strict medical supervision, with careful monitoring of the infant for any adverse effects.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Healthcare providers often advise that mothers using oxycodone should:
1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Before starting or continuing oxycodone while breastfeeding, it is vital to discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor who can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s health needs and the infant’s condition.

2. Monitor the infant closely: If oxycodone is necessary, mothers should watch for signs of sedation or feeding difficulties in their infants. Any concerning symptoms should prompt immediate medical consultation.
3. Consider timing: Some mothers may choose to take oxycodone immediately after breastfeeding to minimize the drug’s presence in breast milk during the next feeding. However, this strategy should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure safety.
Conclusion
In summary, while oxycodone can be an effective pain management option for mothers, its use during breastfeeding requires careful consideration and professional guidance. The potential risks to the infant, particularly regarding sedation and CNS depression, underscore the importance of monitoring and consultation with healthcare professionals. Balancing the need for pain relief with the safety of the breastfeeding infant is paramount, and each case should be evaluated individually to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

Can I take 10mg hydrocodone while breastfeeding?

Moderate dosages of hydrocodone appear acceptable during breastfeeding, but more data are needed to determine the maximum safe dosage for nursing mothers. Neonates and preterm infants may be more susceptible than older infants to adverse effects of hydrocodone and its metabolites in breast milk.

What is the safest opioid for breastfeeding?

Morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and hydromorphone have been determined, by several studies, to be moderately safe for breastfeeding women. However, morphine is the preferred opiate to use by a breastfeeding mother due to its poor oral bioavailability.

How soon after narcotics can you breastfeed?

A breastfeeding plan
If you do use drugs such as amphetamines or heroin as a one-off, you will need to express your breast milk in the 24 hours afterwards and throw it away before you breastfeed again. After using drugs, it is not safe for you to care for or breastfeed your baby.

Is 5mg of oxycodone safe while breastfeeding?

Oxycodone and breastfeeding
Oxycodone is not usually recommended if you’re breastfeeding, but it may be used occasionally for pain that is severe or difficult to treat. Your doctor can help you decide what’s right for you and your baby.

How much oxycodone is excreted in breast milk?

Two published studies have reported concentrations of oxycodone in breast milk. In the first study, published as an abstract, six post-partum women administered 5–10 mg of oxycodone every 4–7 h had maternal plasma concentrations of 14–35 ng/mL with milk concentrations that ranged from < 5 to 226 ng/mL.

Can I breastfeed while taking hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a narcotic that is widely used, often in nursing mothers. Although case reports suggest that hydrocodone in breast milk sometimes may be problematic for the breastfed infant, no reports exist on the amount of its excretion into breast milk.

How much medication is passed through breast milk?

Although most medicines are excreted in breast milk to some degree, the amount is usually less than 10% of the maternal dose. Medicines excreted at less than 10% are considered compatible with breastfeeding.

How long does oxycodone stay in your breast milk?

Conclusions: Oxycodone is concentrated in human breast milk up to 72-h post-partum. Breastfed infants may receive > 10% of a therapeutic infant dose. However, maternal oxycodone intake up to 72-h post-CS poses only minimal risk to the breast-feeding infant as low volumes of breast milk are ingested during this period.

How many painkillers can I take while breastfeeding?

You can take paracetamol at the normal adult dose as described in the patient information leaflet. Only a very small amount passes into your breastmilk. It is important to not exceed the daily dose of paracetamol. Do not take more than 2 tablets at any one time.

What are the strongest painkillers when breastfeeding?

Aspirin is generally not recommended for treatment of pain during breastfeeding. If paracetamol and a NSAID does not effectively control your pain, opiate painkillers for example, morphine sulphate or Oramorph, can also be taken.