Is butalbital safe to take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Butalbital and Breastfeeding Safety
Butalbital is a medication commonly used to treat tension headaches and migraines, often in combination with acetaminophen and caffeine. For breastfeeding mothers, the safety of taking butalbital is a significant concern, as it can potentially affect both the mother and the infant.
Potential Risks to Infants
Research indicates that butalbital can pass into breast milk, which raises questions about its safety for nursing infants. One study highlighted that butalbital in breast milk has been associated with adverse effects, including poor feeding and vomiting in at least one infant. This suggests that while some mothers may use butalbital without immediate issues, there is a risk of sedation and poor weight gain in breastfed infants, particularly if the mother is nursing a newborn or preterm baby.
General Recommendations
The consensus among health professionals is cautious. While some analyses suggest that the combination of butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine poses a low risk when breastfeeding , the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that other medications may be preferable, especially for mothers nursing vulnerable infants. This is due to the lack of extensive published experience regarding the use of butalbital during breastfeeding, which leaves a gap in understanding its long-term effects on infants.
Monitoring and Alternatives
If a breastfeeding mother must take butalbital, it is crucial to monitor the infant closely for any signs of sedation, poor feeding, or weight gain issues. Health care providers often recommend considering alternative medications that have a more established safety profile during breastfeeding.
In conclusion, while butalbital may be used by some breastfeeding mothers with caution, the potential risks to infants necessitate careful consideration and monitoring. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to weigh the benefits and risks and to explore safer alternatives when possible.

What is the strongest painkiller I can take while breastfeeding?

Morphine (Oramorph®, Actimorph®) is the strong opioid of choice while breastfeeding. It can be used with caution at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible duration. Oral morphine is frequently given to mothers after a caesarean section. You can use it with caution when breastfeeding.

Is butalbital safe while breastfeeding?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Butalbital in breastmilk has caused poor feeding and vomiting in one infant. Other agents are preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. If butalbital is used, monitor the infant for sedation, poor feeding and poor weight gain.

Can I take 2 butalbital acetaminophen caffeine while pregnant?

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or get pregnant while taking this drug. This drug may cause harm to an unborn baby if taken at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy. If you are between 20 to 30 weeks of pregnancy, only take this drug if your doctor has told you to.

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 is the safest opioid for breastfeeding?

The most effective medications are methadone and buprenorphine, and they’re safe to take while nursing your baby.

What is safe to 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).

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.

Can you take barbiturates while breastfeeding?

Barbiturates pass into the breast milk and may cause drowsiness, slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, or troubled breathing in babies of nursing mothers taking this medicine.

What drugs can pass through a mother’s breast milk and harm a nursing baby?

If you are breastfeeding, you should not take illegal drugs. Some drugs, such as cocaine and PCP, can make the baby high. Other drugs, such as heroin and marijuana can cause irritability, poor sleeping patterns, tremors, and vomiting. Babies can become addicted to these drugs.

Which triptan is best for breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics also considers sumatriptan as usually compatible with breastfeeding.