Is it safe to breastfeed on Norco?

Understanding the Safety of Breastfeeding While Taking Norco
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenging decision of managing pain while ensuring the safety of their infants. One common medication that raises questions in this context is Norco, a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. As a potent pain reliever, Norco is frequently prescribed for moderate to severe pain, but its use during breastfeeding warrants careful consideration.
The Risks of Hydrocodone in Breast Milk
Hydrocodone, one of the active ingredients in Norco, is an opioid that can pass into breast milk. Research indicates that a fully breastfed infant may receive approximately 1.5% to 0.7% of the minimum therapeutic dose of opioids, which raises concerns about potential effects on newborns and infants . Infants, particularly neonates, are more susceptible to the effects of opioids, making it crucial for breastfeeding mothers to weigh the risks and benefits of using Norco.
Recommendations from Health Experts
Health professionals generally advise against breastfeeding while taking Norco. The consensus is that the potential risks to the infant, including drowsiness and respiratory depression, outweigh the benefits of pain relief for the mother. While some sources suggest that moderate dosages of hydrocodone may be acceptable, they emphasize the need for caution and further research to establish safe dosage limits for nursing mothers.
Monitoring and Alternatives
For mothers who require pain management, it is essential to consult healthcare providers to explore alternative medications that may be safer during breastfeeding. Non-opioid pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen alone, might be recommended as they pose less risk to the breastfeeding infant.
In conclusion, while Norco can be effective for pain relief, its use during breastfeeding is fraught with potential risks. Mothers should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to ensure both their health and the safety of their infants are prioritized.

Which opioid is safe in pregnancy?

Methadone and buprenorphine are first-line therapy options for pregnant people with OUD. ACOG and SAMHSA recommend treatment with methadone or buprenorphine for pregnant people with OUD, in conjunction with behavioral therapy and medical services.

How long do opioids stay in breastmilk?

Tramadol (Ultram) can stay in breast milk for longer than 10 hours. Fentanyl (Duragesic) stays in breast milk for an unclear amount of time. Methadone (Methadose) likely stays in breastmilk for up to 50 hours, based on its half-life in breastmilk of 8 to 10 hours.

Which painkiller is safe during breastfeeding?

Paracetamol is the first choice pain medication during breastfeeding. While it appears in breast milk, the amount is too small to cause harm to your baby. Sometimes paracetamol alone may not control your pain. In this case a non- steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), for example ibuprofen, can also be taken.

Is Norco the same as hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone acetaminophen is commonly known by brand names Lortab®, Norco®, and Vicodin®. According to the FDA, when hydrocodone or oxycodone are combined with acetaminophen, it presents a higher risk of liver damage and overdose than when each opioid is taken alone.

Can I breastfeed while on pain medication?

Most over-the-counter (also called OTC) medicine, like pain relievers and cold medicine, are OK to take when you’re breastfeeding. For example, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) are safe to use when breastfeeding.

Can you take Norco when breastfeeding?

Moderate dosages of hydrocodone appear acceptable during breastfeeding, but more data are needed to determine the maximum safe dosage for nursing mothers. Neonates and preterm infants may be more susceptible than older infants to adverse effects of hydrocodone and its metabolites in breast milk.

What can I take for joint pain while breastfeeding?

It is important to consider a pain reliever’s benefits for you and its effect on your baby. Ibuprofen is usually the preferred first step because little of it passes through breastmilk. Acetaminophen also is safe to take while breastfeeding.

Is Norco safe during pregnancy?

Prolonged use of NORCO during pregnancy can result in withdrawal in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts.

How long does Norco stay in your system?

Because it takes five half-lives for your body to remove a drug from your system, Norco is usually eliminated from a person’s body within 20 hours of the latest dose.

What is the safest opioid while breastfeeding?

Morphine is the strong opioid analgesic of choice for treating pain in breastfeeding. Recommendations apply to full term and healthy infants only.