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Is Tylenol cold and flu ok while breastfeeding?

Understanding Tylenol Cold and Flu Use During Breastfeeding
For nursing mothers battling the discomforts of a cold or flu, the question of whether it’s safe to take Tylenol Cold and Flu often arises. The good news is that, in general, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered a safe option for breastfeeding mothers. It is unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants when taken at recommended doses.
Ingredients Matter
However, the formulation of Tylenol Cold and Flu can include additional ingredients, such as decongestants like phenylephrine. While short-term use of decongestants is not expected to significantly impact breastfeeding, there is still some uncertainty regarding the safety of phenylephrine during lactation. This uncertainty stems from a lack of comprehensive studies on its effects when passed through breast milk. Therefore, while occasional use may be acceptable, caution is advised, especially in the early months of breastfeeding when infants are particularly vulnerable.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Experts generally recommend that nursing mothers should stick to the recommended doses of Tylenol Cold and Flu. The amounts of acetaminophen that transfer into breast milk are significantly lower than the doses typically administered to infants, making it a safer choice. Additionally, adverse effects in breastfed infants appear to be rare, which further supports the use of acetaminophen for managing cold symptoms.
If a mother feels lethargic or unwell after taking medication, it is advisable to wait until she feels alert before breastfeeding, ensuring that her condition does not affect her ability to care for her baby.
Conclusion
In summary, while Tylenol Cold and Flu can be used by breastfeeding mothers, it is crucial to be mindful of the specific ingredients in the formulation. Acetaminophen is generally safe, but caution should be exercised with decongestants like phenylephrine due to the lack of definitive safety data. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any medication is the best course of action to ensure both maternal and infant health.

What cold and flu can you take when breastfeeding?

decongestants such as oxymetazoline and xylometazoline are preferred for the treatment of nasal congestion while breastfeeding.

Can you take Mucinex cold and flu while breastfeeding?

The expectorant guaifenesin and the cough suppressant dextromethorphan are often found together in products like Mucinex DM or Robitussin DM. Both of these medications have been used while breastfeeding. Small, occasional doses of antihistamines are acceptable while nursing.

Who should not take Tylenol cold and flu?

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), diabetes, glaucoma, heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver disease, seizures, stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation …

What cold medicine can I not take 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.

How long after taking Tylenol can I breastfeed?

Drug Levels
Acetaminophen was undetectable (<0.5 mg/L) in all mothers 12 hours after the dose. The authors calculated that an infant who ingested 90 mL of breastmilk every 3 hours would receive an average of 0.88 mg of acetaminophen or 0.14% (range 0.04 to 0.23%) of the mother's absolute dosage.

What is the safest cold medicine while pregnant?

Pregnancy-Safe Cold & Flu Medication

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Safe during the entire pregnancy. Take only as needed.
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Safe in the second and third trimester.
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) Safe during pregnancy.
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Safe throughout pregnancy.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick and breastfeeding?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.

Can breastfeeding moms take Tylenol Cold and Flu?

Many medicines are safe to use when you breastfeed. These include: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Some cold and influenza (flu) medicines.

Can I take Tylenol Cold and Flu while pregnant?

Cold medications that are generally considered safe for pregnant people include: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Some antihistamines, including loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Most steroid-based nasal sprays.

How to treat a cold sore while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and cold sores
Cold sores occur commonly around the time of delivery, so it is important to treat cold sores aggressively to prevent transmission to a newborn baby. Aciclovir cream, aciclovir or valaciclovir tablets are all considered safe while breastfeeding.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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