What antacid is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antacid Safety During Breastfeeding
For breastfeeding mothers, managing heartburn or acid indigestion can be a challenge, especially when considering the safety of medications. Antacids are commonly used to alleviate these symptoms, but questions often arise regarding their safety for nursing mothers and their infants.
General Safety of Antacids
Most antacids, particularly those containing magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate, are generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding. The FDA categorizes magnesium hydroxide as a Category B drug, indicating that it is not expected to harm a nursing infant when used as directed. Calcium carbonate, while classified as Category C, is also widely used and believed to be safe in moderation.
Research indicates that the absorption of minerals such as aluminum, calcium, and magnesium from antacids into breast milk is minimal. This means that the additional intake of these minerals by a nursing mother is unlikely to exceed levels found in other infant foods. Therefore, the risk of adverse effects on the breastfeeding infant is low.
Specific Antacid Recommendations
Among the most popular over-the-counter options, Tums is frequently mentioned. It is a calcium-based antacid that can be taken while breastfeeding, provided that mothers consult with their healthcare providers to determine appropriate dosing based on their feeding schedules. This approach helps minimize any potential effects on the baby.
Considerations for Use
While many antacids are deemed safe, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to be cautious. Some antacids can cause constipation or other gastrointestinal issues, which may indirectly affect milk supply or maternal comfort. Additionally, mothers should be aware that excessive use of any medication, including antacids, should be avoided unless necessary.
Conclusion
In summary, antacids such as magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, it is always advisable for nursing mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter antacids. This ensures that both the mother’s health and the infant’s safety are prioritized.

Can I take Pepto and Tums while breastfeeding?

Pepto-Bismol and breastfeeding
Do not take Pepto-Bismol if you’re breastfeeding.

Is Pepcid ok while breastfeeding?

Famotidine gets into breast milk in small amounts and is used in newborn infants in higher dosages than the levels that have been found in breastmilk. Taking famotidine while breastfeeding is not expected to cause problems in breastfed infants.

What can I take for an upset stomach while breastfeeding?

Heartburn / Indigestion

• Mylanta.
• TUMS.
• Pepcid.
• Maalox.
• Gavison.
• Pepto Bismol.

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.

How do you stop acid reflux in breastfed babies?

Helping your baby with reflux

1. get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
2. hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
3. burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
4. make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)

Can I have Tums while breastfeeding?

Medications that are considered safe for breastfeeding
These include (but are not limited to): Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Antacids (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums) Anticoagulants (blood thinners such as Lovenox, Fragmin, Innohep, Heparin)

What are the side effects of Pepcid for babies?

What side effects can this medication cause?

• headache.
• dizziness.
• constipation.
• diarrhea.
• fussiness (in babies who take famotidine)

What can I take for acid reflux while breastfeeding?

If these measures are insufficient, a histamine H2-blocker or PPI can be used. Famotidine appears to be the best H2-blocker for use during lactation. Information on PPIs during breastfeeding is limited to omeprazole and pantoprazole, so they are preferred.

What are common antacids nursing?

Common antacid medications include: aluminum hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide and simethicone, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate and aluminum hydroxide, magaldrate, calcium carbonate, calcium carbonate with magnesium hydroxide, and sodium bicarbonate.

What antacids can breastfeeding mothers take?

Antacid and alginate preparations
There is extensive experience of use of antacids during breastfeeding and they are considered first-line options for managing heartburn or dyspepsia. Alginates and simeticone are also considered acceptable for use during breastfeeding.