Is it safe to take alka seltzer while breastfeeding?

Understanding Alka-Seltzer and Breastfeeding Safety
As many new mothers navigate the challenges of breastfeeding, questions about medication safety often arise. One common query is whether it is safe to take Alka-Seltzer while nursing. Alka-Seltzer, a popular over-the-counter remedy for indigestion, heartburn, and cold symptoms, contains a mix of ingredients that can raise concerns for breastfeeding mothers.
Ingredients and Potential Risks
Alka-Seltzer products typically contain aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid, among other ingredients. While some formulations may include additional components like acetaminophen or antihistamines, the safety of these ingredients during breastfeeding can vary. Research indicates that certain components in Alka-Seltzer may pose potential risks to infants. For instance, aspirin is generally advised against during breastfeeding due to its association with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect children.
Moreover, the presence of antihistamines in some Alka-Seltzer formulations can lead to decreased milk supply or sedation in the breastfeeding infant. Therefore, the specific formulation of Alka-Seltzer being considered is crucial in determining its safety.
Age and Health Considerations
The age of the infant plays a significant role in assessing the safety of Alka-Seltzer. For babies older than one month, some healthcare professionals suggest that the risks may be lower, particularly if the mother has a good milk supply. However, it is essential for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider to evaluate their individual circumstances, including the health of both mother and baby.
Recommendations from Health Experts
Health experts generally recommend caution. While some Alka-Seltzer products may be deemed acceptable in certain situations, others should be avoided altogether. For instance, Alka-Seltzer Cold formulations, which may contain additional ingredients like decongestants, could further complicate the safety profile for breastfeeding mothers.
Dr. James Ferguson, a pediatrician, emphasizes that the safety of taking Alka-Seltzer while breastfeeding depends on the specific product and the mother’s health condition. Therefore, it is advisable for mothers to seek personalized medical advice before taking any medication.
Conclusion
In summary, while some mothers may find relief from Alka-Seltzer, the potential risks associated with its ingredients warrant careful consideration. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Ultimately, the decision should be made based on the specific formulation of Alka-Seltzer, the age of the infant, and the mother’s overall health.

Can you take alka seltzer when breastfeeding?

Pain Relivers to Avoid While Breastfeeding
On the pain-reliever front, it may be a good idea to avoid aspirin (Excedrin), aspirin-containing meds (like Alka Seltzer), and naproxen (Aleve) as well.

What is safe to take for a cold while breastfeeding?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

What can I take for a stomach bug 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.

What antacids are safe while breastfeeding?

Medications that are considered safe for breastfeeding
Antacids (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums) Anticoagulants (blood thinners such as Lovenox, Fragmin, Innohep, Heparin) Antihistamines (such as Claritin; Benadryl is also safe but may cause infant drowsiness)

Can I take alka seltzer plus while breastfeeding?

This medication may pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What medications should be avoided 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 can I take to settle my stomach while breastfeeding?

Medicines to treat gas and bloating, such as Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta, and others, are safe to take while breastfeeding. They contain simethicone, which is sometimes given to infants. It is also not absorbed into the mother’s system, so wouldn’t be transmitted in breast milk.

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 cold medicine won’t affect my milk supply?

Dextromethorphan. This cold medicine is considered safe for breastfeeding moms and babies. Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

Can I use icy hot while breastfeeding?

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant.