Is it safe to take Excedrin Migraine while breastfeeding?

Understanding Excedrin Migraine and Breastfeeding Safety
For breastfeeding mothers suffering from migraines, the question of whether to take Excedrin Migraine is a pressing concern. Excedrin Migraine contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Each of these components has different implications for breastfeeding.
Acetaminophen: Generally Safe
Acetaminophen is widely regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that it passes into breast milk in minimal amounts, making it unlikely to affect a nursing infant adversely. This makes acetaminophen a common choice for pain relief during breastfeeding.
Aspirin: Caution Advised
The situation with aspirin is more complex. While studies suggest that limited amounts of aspirin may enter breast milk, the consensus among health professionals is to exercise caution. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers consult with their healthcare provider before using Excedrin Migraine, particularly because of the aspirin content. Some experts suggest that if a mother takes a higher dose of aspirin, it may be prudent to withhold breastfeeding for about 12 hours to minimize any potential exposure to the infant.
Caffeine: Minimal Impact
Caffeine, the third ingredient in Excedrin Migraine, is also considered to have a minimal impact on breastfeeding. It does pass into breast milk, but typically in small amounts. Most health guidelines indicate that moderate caffeine consumption is acceptable for breastfeeding mothers.
Professional Guidance is Key
Given the mixed safety profile of Excedrin Migraine, the best course of action for breastfeeding mothers is to consult a healthcare professional before taking the medication. This is particularly important for those who may have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications that could interact with Excedrin.
Conclusion
In summary, while acetaminophen is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, caution is warranted with aspirin due to its potential effects on infants. Caffeine is typically safe in moderation. Ultimately, the decision to use Excedrin Migraine should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

Can I have Excedrin Migraine while breastfeeding?

Aspirin: Don’t take aspirin or aspirin-containing products when you’re breastfeeding because the drug can cause adverse effects in your baby. Remember that there’s often aspirin in over-the-counter headache medications like Excedrin and Excedrin Migraine.

What helps postpartum migraines?

Treatments for Postpartum Headaches

1. Get more sleep.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet.
3. Drink more water.
4. Use a cool compress or ice pack.
5. Rest in a dark and quiet room.
6. Take small amounts pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
7. Drink small amounts of caffeine.
8. Get a massage.

What can I take for a migraine while breastfeeding?

Women with migraine may be concerned about breastfeeding due to fears of exposing the baby to medication. However, many medications can be safely taken during breastfeeding, including acetaminophen (Tylenol), anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), and sumatriptan (Imitrex).

Who cannot take Excedrin Migraine?

You should not use Excedrin if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, caffeine, or any NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others). Aspirin may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Which painkiller should be avoided during breastfeeding?

Codeine and dihydrocodeine are weak opioids that are available over the counter in combination with other medications described above. Codeine is not recommended when you are breastfeeding.

Can you take Excedrin for migraines while pregnant?

Official answer. It is not safe to take Excedrin Migraine during the third trimester of pregnancy because this medication contains aspirin, which may cause harm to your unborn baby or increase your risk of complications during delivery.

Is there a difference between Excedrin and Excedrin Migraine?

Excedrin Migraine provides migraine relief, while Excedrin Extra Strength can temporarily relieve minor aches and pains from headaches, a cold, arthritis, muscular aches, toothache, and premenstrual and menstrual cramps.

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.

Why do Excedrin and Excedrin Migraine have the same ingredients?

The only difference between Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine, is the labeling and dosage recommendation. It’s a legal issue. In order for Excedrin to put “Migraine Relief” on the bottle, it had to resubmit to the FDA and get the “new” (but really the same) product re-approved.

What can a pregnant woman take for a migraine headache?

Medicines to treat migraine should only be used in pregnancy on the advice of a doctor, who will help to weigh up the benefits of treatment against any risks. Paracetamol is the first-choice treatment for mild-to-moderate pain in pregnancy. It has an excellent overall safety profile.