Is it safe to take 800 mg ibuprofen while breastfeeding?

Understanding Ibuprofen Use While Breastfeeding
For nursing mothers, the question of medication safety is paramount, particularly when it comes to pain relief. One common over-the-counter option is ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. But is it safe to take 800 mg of ibuprofen while breastfeeding?
Safety Profile of Ibuprofen
The consensus among health professionals is that ibuprofen is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that ibuprofen has an extremely low transfer rate into breast milk, meaning that the levels present in breast milk are minimal and unlikely to affect a nursing infant. This makes ibuprofen a preferred choice for pain relief in lactating women, especially when compared to other medications that may pose greater risks.
Dosage Considerations
The typical recommended maximum daily dosage for ibuprofen is 1200 mg, which can be taken in divided doses. Therefore, taking 800 mg—whether as a single dose or spread throughout the day—falls within the safe range for most breastfeeding mothers. However, it is crucial to consider individual health circumstances. For instance, mothers with specific conditions, such as asthma or stomach ulcers, should avoid ibuprofen.
Monitoring Infant Response
While the risk is low, it is still advisable for mothers to monitor their infants for any unusual behavior after taking ibuprofen. If a mother notices that her baby is not feeding as well as usual or exhibits any concerning symptoms, she should consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Conclusion
In summary, taking 800 mg of ibuprofen while breastfeeding is considered safe for most mothers. The drug’s low levels in breast milk and its established safety profile make it a viable option for managing pain. However, as with any medication, it is always wise for nursing mothers to consult with their healthcare provider to ensure that their specific health needs are met and to discuss any potential interactions with other medications they may be taking.

What is the strongest painkiller I can take while breastfeeding?

Morphine (Oramorph®, Actimorph®) is the strong opioid of choice while breastfeeding. It can be used with caution at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible duration. Oral morphine is frequently given to mothers after a caesarean section. You can use it with caution when breastfeeding.

What medications can decrease milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

Can I take Tylenol 800 while breastfeeding?

Your baby receives very little of the medication in your milk, and very few meds will affect your milk supply. Tylenol and ibuprofen are fine to take for pain relief and fever, for example. For allergies and colds, most antihistamines are okay, but some decongestants can decrease your milk supply.

What are the nursing considerations for ibuprofen?

Nursing Considerations: Ibuprofen is safe for infants six months or older. It is especially important not to use ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy unless directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause complications during delivery or in the unborn child.

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 pain reliever is OK 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 medications decrease milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

Can I take 800 mg ibuprofen every 4 hours?

How often can I take it? In adults, the prescription dose of ibuprofen is 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours or 600 to 800 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed, with a maximum dose of 3200 mg per day. The over-the-counter ibuprofen dose is 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 1200 mg per day.

Can I take ibuprofen 800 mg while breastfeeding?

You can take ibuprofen or use it on your skin while breastfeeding. It is one of the painkillers that’s usually recommended if you’re breastfeeding. Only tiny amounts get into breast milk and it’s unlikely to cause side effects in your baby.

Is it safe to take ibuprofen 800 while pregnant?

The short answer? You should avoid ibuprofen in the second half of your pregnancy (after week 20). It might be safe to use during the first 20 weeks of your pregnancy, but it’s not a first-choice option. If you need pain relief, your healthcare provider will probably recommend you try acetaminophen (Tylenol) first.