Is tramadol safe for breastfeeding mothers?

Is Tramadol Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers?
The safety of tramadol for breastfeeding mothers has become a significant concern among healthcare professionals and new mothers alike. Tramadol, an opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain, poses potential risks to infants when ingested through breast milk.
FDA Warnings and Recommendations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued strong warnings regarding the use of tramadol in breastfeeding women. They recommend against its use due to the risk of serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, including excessive sleepiness and difficulty breastfeeding. This caution stems from the potential for tramadol to affect an infant’s respiratory function and overall alertness, which can be particularly dangerous in newborns.
Limited Use Under Strict Conditions
While the FDA advises against tramadol use during breastfeeding, some medical sources suggest that if a mother requires tramadol for pain management, it may not necessitate the discontinuation of breastfeeding. However, it is recommended that tramadol be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible—ideally limited to 2 to 3 days. Close monitoring of the infant is crucial during this period to detect any adverse effects.
Excretion in Breast Milk
Research indicates that tramadol is excreted in breast milk, but the amounts are generally low. The active metabolite, O-desmethyltramadol, is also present in smaller quantities. Studies suggest that the levels of tramadol in breast milk are significantly lower than the doses typically administered to infants for pain relief, which may imply a lower risk of adverse effects. However, the lack of comprehensive safety data means that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn.
Potential Risks and Alternatives
The risks associated with tramadol use during breastfeeding include the possibility of neonatal withdrawal symptoms if the mother has been using the drug during pregnancy. Additionally, there is a consensus among health professionals that non-narcotic analgesics should be prioritized for pain management in breastfeeding mothers whenever possible.
In summary, while tramadol may be used under specific circumstances, the prevailing medical advice is to avoid it due to the potential risks to infants. Mothers are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to explore safer alternatives for pain relief during breastfeeding.

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.

Can tramadol affect the baby?

Health risks of taking tramadol while pregnant include:
neonatal abstinence syndrome (when a baby experiences drug withdrawal symptoms following birth) congenital heart defects. premature birth. miscarriage or stillbirth.

Is tramadol excreted in breast milk?

Tramadol is changed in the body to another substance (active metabolite), which also helps with pain. Small amounts of tramadol and its metabolite are found in breast milk when taken by the mother. The amounts of tramadol and its metabolite are usually too low to cause a problem for the baby.

What medication is not safe for 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.

Is it safe to take tramadol while breastfeeding?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the manufacturer recommend that tramadol not be used during breastfeeding due to concerns that the medication could build up to high levels in the baby’s system and cause problems, such as trouble breathing or not waking to feed.

What are the nursing implications for tramadol?

If a nursing mother is an ultra-rapid metabolizer of tramadol, it could lead to an overdose in the nursing baby and cause very serious side effects. For nursing mothers using this medicine: Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about taking tramadol or about how this medicine may affect your baby.

What are the safest opioids for breastfeeding mothers?

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

Who should not be given tramadol?

Who may not be able to take tramadol

• ever had an allergic reaction to tramadol or any other medicine.
• a condition which causes seizures or fits.
• a head injury.
• an addiction to alcohol, strong painkillers or recreational drugs.
• breathing difficulties.
• kidney or liver problems.
• ever had a reaction to other strong painkillers.

What can I take for severe pain while breastfeeding?

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only.

Which drugs cannot be taken when breastfeeding?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.