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Is it safe to breastfeed after taking Zofran?

Understanding the Safety of Breastfeeding After Taking Zofran
As new mothers navigate the challenges of postpartum recovery, many find themselves grappling with nausea, often seeking relief through medications like Zofran, known generically as ondansetron. A common concern arises: Is it safe to breastfeed after taking Zofran?
Current Insights on Zofran and Breastfeeding
Research indicates that Zofran is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to available literature, ondansetron has been administered to infants as young as one month without reported adverse effects. This suggests that the medication does not significantly transfer into breast milk in harmful amounts.
A safety score of 1, which indicates that the use of Zofran is mostly safe during lactation, further supports this conclusion. Additionally, studies have shown that the use of ondansetron during and after cesarean sections does not negatively impact the initiation of breastfeeding. This is particularly reassuring for mothers recovering from surgery who may need effective nausea management.
Expert Opinions and Anecdotal Evidence
Healthcare professionals, including lactation consultants, affirm that taking Zofran while breastfeeding is acceptable. Krystal Duhaney, a registered nurse and lactation consultant, emphasizes that mothers can safely use Zofran without compromising their breastfeeding efforts. Many mothers have shared their experiences, noting that they continued to breastfeed successfully while using the medication, often reporting improved well-being and the ability to care for their infants.
Conclusion
In summary, while individual circumstances can vary, the consensus among healthcare providers and available research suggests that breastfeeding after taking Zofran is safe. Mothers experiencing nausea should feel empowered to manage their symptoms effectively while continuing to provide nourishment to their babies. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to discuss any concerns and ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their infants.

What upset stomach medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

Heartburn / Indigestion

  • Mylanta.
  • TUMS.
  • Pepcid.
  • Maalox.
  • Gavison.
  • Pepto Bismol.

What are the side effects of Zofran in infants?

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 are the side effects of Zofran for nurses?

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
CNS: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness. GI: constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, increased liver enzymes.

How long does it take for Zofran to get out of 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.

Can Zofran affect 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.

Can I take anti nausea medicine while breastfeeding?

Some people are prescribed (or buy) prochlorperazine (Buccastem ®, Stemetil ®) tablets to relieve the nausea and vomiting, loperamide (Imodium®) to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea and rehydrating sachets (Dioralyte ®) to prevent dehydration. These drugs are suitable to take and carry on breastfeeding as normal.

Does your milk supply go down after the stomach flu?

Getting sick. Just catching a virus or bug such as the flu, a cold, or a stomach virus won’t decrease your milk supply. However, related symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased appetite definitely can.

How long does Zofran 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.

Can I breastfeed after taking Zofran?

Ondansetron Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
[1-4] Use during and after cesarean section appears to not affect the onset of breastfeeding. [1,5] No adverse infant effects have been reported in this setting or among women who received ondansetron postpartum in a pharmacokinetic study.

How long does it take for Zofran to get out of 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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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