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Is Zofran safe during breastfeeding?

Understanding Zofran and Breastfeeding Safety
Zofran, known generically as ondansetron, is a medication commonly prescribed to alleviate nausea and vomiting, particularly in pregnant women and those recovering from surgery. As concerns about medication safety during breastfeeding continue to grow, many new mothers are left wondering: Is Zofran safe to take while breastfeeding?
Current Consensus on Safety
The prevailing view among healthcare professionals is that Zofran is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to various sources, ondansetron has been widely used during pregnancy and in young children without significant side effects being reported. This suggests that its use during breastfeeding is also compatible.
While there is limited published information specifically addressing the clinical use of Zofran in breastfeeding, it is noted that the medication has been administered directly to infants as young as one month old without adverse effects. This is particularly reassuring for mothers who may need to manage nausea postpartum.
Evidence from Clinical Use
Clinical observations indicate that ondansetron does not appear to affect the onset of breastfeeding negatively, even when administered during and after cesarean sections. This is an important consideration for new mothers who may be recovering from surgery and experiencing nausea. The absence of reported side effects in breastfeeding infants further supports the medication’s safety profile.
Expert Opinions
Experts in lactation and maternal health, such as registered nurses and lactation consultants, affirm that Zofran can be taken while breastfeeding. They emphasize that the benefits of managing nausea effectively often outweigh potential risks, especially when no significant adverse effects have been documented in infants.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is a lack of extensive research specifically focused on Zofran’s effects during breastfeeding, the existing evidence suggests that it is safe for mothers to use. The medication has a history of safe use in both pregnant women and infants, and no significant side effects have been reported in breastfeeding contexts. As always, mothers should consult their healthcare providers to discuss their specific situations and any concerns they may have regarding medication use while breastfeeding.

Can Zofran affect the baby?

If you are pregnant and have taken ondansetron or Zofran® during pregnancy, I want to reassure you that it likely has not affected your baby. Even if the increased risk for cleft palate or heart defects turns out to be true, the risk to your baby is still very, very small.

What is the safest anti-nausea medication for pregnancy?

Metoclopramide (Maxolon, Pramin) – a simple anti-nausea medication taken anywhere from once to four times a day. This medication has been used for a long time in pregnancy and has a long record of safety. It can be given as a tablet or an intravenous or intramuscular injection.

What can I take for nausea while breastfeeding?

Treating nausea during breastfeeding

  • Cyclizine.
  • Hyoscine hydrobromide.
  • Metoclopramide.
  • Ondansetron.
  • Prochlorperazine.
  • Promethazine.

Can breastfeeding moms have Zofran?

Information on the use of ondansetron during breastfeeding is limited. Side effects in breastfeeding infants have not been reported. Ondansetron has been given directly to infants as young as 1 month of age. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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 is the best medicine for upset stomach while breastfeeding?

Cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine
Ranitidine and famotidine appear to carry minimal risk in pregnant women,6, 7 cimetidine has a small risk. Similarly, ranitidine and famotidine are the preferred choices in breastfeeding women.

What are the side effects of Zofran for nurses?

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
CNS: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness. GI: constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, increased liver enzymes.

What are the side effects of Zofran in infants?

Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

  • Headache.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Diarrhea or constipation.
  • Feeling sleepy.
  • Anxiety.

Can you still feel nauseous after taking Zofran?

It’s possible for you to still feel nauseous and vomit even after taking ondansetron (Zofran). Depending on how soon you threw up after you took your dose of ondansetron (Zofran), you might be able to retake your dose, depending on the formulation you have.

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.

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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