Is Excedrin okay to take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Excedrin and Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing headaches or migraines, many new mothers may wonder about the safety of using Excedrin while breastfeeding. Excedrin is a popular over-the-counter medication that combines acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. However, the consensus among health professionals is that caution is warranted when considering its use during lactation.
Potential Risks of Excedrin While Breastfeeding
Research indicates that the components of Excedrin can transfer into breast milk, which raises concerns about their potential effects on infants. Specifically, caffeine, one of the active ingredients, is known to pass into breast milk and can affect a breastfeeding baby. Studies have shown that even small amounts of caffeine can lead to increased irritability and sleep disturbances in infants.
Moreover, while acetaminophen is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when used as directed, the combination with aspirin and caffeine complicates the matter. Aspirin is not typically recommended for breastfeeding mothers due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect children.
Recommendations from Health Professionals
Health organizations and experts often advise breastfeeding mothers to consult with a healthcare provider before taking Excedrin or any medication. This is particularly important because individual circumstances can vary widely. For instance, a mother experiencing severe headaches may feel desperate for relief, but the potential risks to her baby must be weighed against the benefits of pain management.
In some cases, healthcare providers may suggest alternative pain relief options that are safer for breastfeeding mothers. For example, ibuprofen and acetaminophen alone are often recommended as safer alternatives.
Conclusion
In summary, while Excedrin may provide effective relief for headaches, its use during breastfeeding is generally discouraged due to the potential risks associated with its ingredients. Mothers are encouraged to seek guidance from healthcare professionals to explore safer alternatives for managing pain while ensuring the well-being of their infants.

Can I take one Excedrin while pregnant?

Official answer. It is not safe to take Excedrin Migraine during the third trimester of pregnancy because this medication contains aspirin, which may cause harm to your unborn baby or increase your risk of complications during delivery.

Is Excedrin ok to take while breastfeeding?

Headache Medications to Avoid When Breastfeeding
Aspirin: Don’t take aspirin or aspirin-containing products when you’re breastfeeding because the drug can cause adverse effects in your baby. Remember that there’s often aspirin in over-the-counter headache medications like Excedrin and Excedrin Migraine.

When should you not take Excedrin Migraine?

Do not give Excedrin Migraine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using Excedrin Migraine.

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).

What pain reliever is safe for breastfeeding?

You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen together during breastfeeding if needed, up to their maximum daily doses. If your baby needs to take ibuprofen suspension (e.g. Nurofen for Children®) whilst you are taking ibuprofen, they can do so at their own full and normal dose.

What can a pregnant woman take for a migraine?

Nondrug therapies (relaxation, sleep, massage, ice packs, biofeedback) should be tried first to treat migraine in women who are pregnant. For treatment of acute migraine attacks 1000 mg of paracetamol (acetaminophen) preferably as a suppository is considered the first choice drug treatment.

What can you not take while 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.

Who Cannot take Excedrin?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma (including a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen), certain blood disorders (such as anemia), bleeding or blood clotting problems ( …

Why do I get a headache when I breastfeed?

Breastfeeding can be exhausting in the early days and weeks, and night feeds can cause disrupted sleep. Many people may forget to nourish and hydrate themselves while feeding their infants. All these environmental factors around breastfeeding could contribute to migraine headaches.

What can I take for a headache while pregnant besides Tylenol?

Primary headaches in pregnant women usually can be treated at home. Rest, a neck or scalp massage, hot or cold packs, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as Tylenol, aspirin, or ibuprofen can reduce the pain.