Is it OK to have Advil while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Advil While Breastfeeding
For new mothers navigating the challenges of postpartum recovery, the question of medication safety while breastfeeding is paramount. One common over-the-counter pain reliever, ibuprofen—often marketed under the brand name Advil—raises concerns for many. The good news is that research indicates it is generally safe to take ibuprofen while breastfeeding.
The Evidence Behind Ibuprofen Use
Studies have shown that ibuprofen, when taken at recommended doses, results in extremely low levels in breast milk. For instance, a recent study involving breastfeeding women demonstrated that even when participants took 400 mg of ibuprofen twice a day, the traces found in breast milk were negligible. This low transfer rate means that the amount of medication a nursing infant would receive is minimal and unlikely to cause harm.
Moreover, ibuprofen is favored among healthcare professionals due to its short half-life and the fact that infants can tolerate doses much higher than what is excreted in breast milk. This makes it a preferred choice for pain relief and inflammation management for nursing mothers.
Recommended Usage
While ibuprofen is deemed safe, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to adhere to the maximum recommended dosage. This precaution helps minimize any potential side effects for both the mother and the child. Health experts suggest that mothers should limit the intake of medications, supplements, and herbs to reduce the risk of adverse effects.
Consultation is Key
Despite the reassuring evidence, it is always wise for mothers to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication, including ibuprofen. This is particularly important if there are underlying health conditions or if the mother is taking other medications. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice, ensuring that both mother and baby remain safe and healthy.
Conclusion
In summary, taking Advil while breastfeeding is considered safe, provided that mothers stick to the recommended dosages. With its low transfer rate to breast milk and the ability of infants to tolerate it, ibuprofen stands out as a reliable option for pain relief during the breastfeeding period. However, as with any medication, a conversation with a healthcare provider is always recommended to address individual circumstances and health needs.

Can you take Advil while pregnant?

Key takeaways: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be safe before the 20th week of pregnancy, but it’s not a first-choice option for pain in pregnancy. Taking ibuprofen after the 20th week of pregnancy is not recommended. It may affect your baby’s kidneys, heart, and lungs if taken during this phase of pregnancy.

Is Advil the same as ibuprofen?

“Advil” is a brand name for the drug, “ibuprofen“. It also the same drug as “Motrin“. All of these are the same medication, just different names. Advil is an ANTI-INFLAMMATORY.

How long does it take for ibuprofen to get out of breast milk?

Ibuprofen was present in the serum with a half-life of approximately 1.5 hours. No measurable amounts of ibuprofen were found in the samples of breast milk. The conclusion drawn is that, in lactating women who take up to 400 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours, less than 1 mg of ibuprofen per day is excreted in breast milk.

What not to 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.

What not to do when breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

1. Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
2. Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
3. Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

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

Can a breastfeeding mom take Advil?

Many women want to take medicine to help relieve their symptoms but may feel uncertain about which medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding. Luckily, ibuprofen has been proven safe for both mother and baby during breastfeeding. Ibuprofen is unique because it breaks down quickly and easily in the body.

Which drug decreases milk supply?

Certain medications can suppress lactation (reduce milk production) in breastfeeding moms. Some of the medications that can decrease milk supply include: Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, and Allegra-D).

What pain reliever can I take while breastfeeding?

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only.

What pain reliever can you take nursing?

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.