What cold and flu medicine can I take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Cold and Flu Medications While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of cold and flu medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. With the need to alleviate symptoms while ensuring the safety of their infants, it’s crucial to understand which medications are safe to use during this time.
Safe Medications for Nursing Mothers
Breastfeeding mothers can take several common over-the-counter medications to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are generally considered safe and effective for managing fever and discomfort. Additionally, decongestants like pseudoephedrine can help alleviate nasal congestion, although it’s advisable to monitor any potential effects on milk supply.
Cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan are also deemed safe for nursing mothers. These medications can provide relief from persistent coughs without significant risk to the breastfeeding infant. However, it’s important to avoid multi-symptom medications, as they often contain ingredients that may not be safe for breastfeeding.
Caution with Combination Products
While many single-ingredient medications are safe, combination products that treat multiple symptoms can pose risks. These often contain ingredients that may not be suitable for breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using any combination cold medications.
Antiviral Medications
In cases of confirmed or suspected influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that breastfeeding mothers can safely take antiviral medications, with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) being the preferred option. This is particularly important as untreated flu can lead to more severe health issues for both the mother and the infant.
General Recommendations
While breastfeeding, it’s essential to prioritize both your health and that of your baby. Here are some general guidelines:
– Consult Healthcare Providers: Always discuss with your doctor or a pharmacist before starting any new medication. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and circumstances.
– Monitor Milk Supply: Some medications may affect milk production. If you notice a decrease in supply, consult your healthcare provider.
– Stay Hydrated and Rested: Alongside medication, ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting adequate rest to support your recovery.
In summary, while many cold and flu medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers, careful consideration and consultation with healthcare professionals are key to ensuring both mother and baby remain healthy during cold and flu season.

How do you treat a cold in a breastfed baby?

Self care

1. Offer plenty of fluids. Liquids are important to avoid dehydration.
2. Suction your baby’s nose. Keep your baby’s nasal passages clear with a rubber-bulb syringe.
3. Try nasal saline drops. Your baby’s doctor may recommend saline nasal drops to moisten nasal passages and loosen thick nasal mucus.
4. Moisten the air.

Is Tylenol Cold and Flu OK while breastfeeding?

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.

What cold medicine won’t affect my milk supply?

Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects. Pseudoephedrine. Another cold medicine safe for breastfeeding moms and their little ones is pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed and Allegra D.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

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.

What can I take for cold and flu while breastfeeding?

Summary

• You can continue to breastfeed when you have a cough, cold, the flu or COVID-19.
• You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen whilst breastfeeding, at the normal adult doses.
• Oral decongestants are not recommended when you are breastfeeding as they can reduce your milk supply with just one or two doses.

Will DayQuil dry up breast milk?

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and non-drowsy antihistamines are generally okay, but you should avoid NyQuil, Benadryl, Sudafed, and DayQuil while breastfeeding. These drugs can hinder your supply, harm the baby, or make it unsafe for you to hold your baby.

Is Mucinex safe for 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.

Is Tamiflu safe for breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding Patients
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is probably compatible with breastfeeding. Levels of oseltamivir in milk (39 ng/mL) are very low and would be subclinical to an infant. The infant would receive only about 0.5% of the mothers dose. The CDC considers oseltamivir safe to use in breastfeeding mothers.

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.