Is it okay to take ondansetron while breastfeeding?

Understanding Ondansetron and Breastfeeding
Ondansetron, commonly known by its brand name Zofran, is a medication primarily used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Its use has extended to various situations, including managing nausea during and after cesarean sections. However, for breastfeeding mothers, the question of safety regarding ondansetron use is paramount.
Safety Profile During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that ondansetron is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Studies have shown that the medication does not adversely affect breastfeeding initiation or the health of infants when administered to mothers during or after cesarean sections . Notably, there have been no reported side effects in breastfeeding infants, even when ondansetron has been given directly to infants as young as one month old .
The excretion of ondansetron into breast milk is a concern for many nursing mothers. While it is known to be excreted into human milk, the effects on nursing infants remain largely unknown. However, the absence of reported adverse effects in infants suggests a favorable safety profile.
Clinical Recommendations
Healthcare providers often recommend ondansetron for managing nausea in postpartum women, particularly those who have undergone cesarean deliveries. The medication is typically administered in doses ranging from 4 to 8 mg intravenously, and its use in this context has not shown to hinder breastfeeding .
Despite the limited published information on the clinical use of ondansetron during breastfeeding, its widespread use in both pregnant women and young children without significant side effects supports its safety.
Conclusion
In summary, while individual circumstances may vary, ondansetron is largely regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers. It is crucial for nursing mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to discuss their specific situations and any potential risks. The overall consensus in the medical community leans towards the compatibility of ondansetron with breastfeeding, making it a viable option for managing nausea during this critical period.

What are the side effects of ondansetron in babies?

Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Feeling sleepy.
• Anxiety.

What is ondansetron used for in nursing?

Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that is caused by cancer medicines (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy. It is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery. Ondansetron works in the stomach to block the signals to the brain that cause nausea and vomiting.

Is ondansetron a high risk medication?

Ondansetron may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking ondansetron and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Heart Rhythm Changes. Ondansetron may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes.

Can I take 4mg of ondansetron while pregnant?

What dose of Zofran is given in pregnancy? Zofran is usually prescribed to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy in 4 milligram doses, either as a pill or through an IV, every eight hours as needed.

How long does ondansetron stay in your system?

Zofran has a half-life of three to four hours in healthy adults, but this may be increased to six to eight hours in older adults. This means it takes the body three to four hours to eliminate half a dose of Zofran from the body, so the entire dose should be eliminated in 15 to 20 hours.

Are ondansetron and Zofran the same?

Zofran® (ondansetron) is a medication that prevents nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. It blocks substances in your body that can cause nausea and vomiting. You can take this medication by mouth after using a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medication.

Why is Zofran no longer safe in pregnancy?

Importantly, a recent large control study by the Slone Epidemiology Center in Boston, Mass, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga, detected a 2-fold increased risk of cleft palate associated with ondansetron taken for NVP in the first trimester of pregnancy (odds ratio 2.37 [95% CI 1.28 to …

Can a breastfeeding mother take ondansetron?

Ondansetron can be used with caution during breastfeeding, but monitoring is required.

What can I do for nausea while breastfeeding?

Which home remedies for nausea are safe while nursing?

1. consuming ginger.
2. using peppermint or lemon aromatherapy.
3. getting acupuncture or acupressure.
4. taking time to meditate and do controlled breathing exercises.
5. consuming vitamin B6 supplements.
6. drinking chamomile tea.

Can Zofran harm the baby?

If you are pregnant and have taken ondansetron or Zofran® during pregnancy, I want to reassure you that it likely has not affected your baby. Even if the increased risk for cleft palate or heart defects turns out to be true, the risk to your baby is still very, very small.