What cold and flu medicine can I take while nursing?

Understanding Cold and Flu Medications While Nursing
Navigating the world of cold and flu medications can be particularly challenging for nursing parents. While feeling under the weather, it’s crucial to choose remedies that are safe for both the mother and the breastfeeding infant. Fortunately, there are several options available that can help alleviate symptoms without compromising the health of the baby.
Safe Medications for Nursing Mothers
1. Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers:
– Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen are generally considered safe for nursing mothers. These medications effectively treat pain and reduce fever, making them suitable choices during a cold or flu episode.
2. Antivirals:
– If you have confirmed or suspected influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends antiviral medications, particularly oseltamivir (Tamiflu). This medication can help decrease the severity and duration of flu symptoms and is deemed safe for breastfeeding.
3. First-Generation Antihistamines:
– Medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be effective for managing symptoms such as a runny nose or watery eyes. However, it’s important to note that these antihistamines may cause drowsiness in both the mother and the infant, so caution is advised.
4. Herbal Supplements:
– Some herbal remedies, such as Elderberry, are used to shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms. While classified as a lower risk (L3), it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Medications to Avoid
While there are safe options, certain medications should be avoided during breastfeeding:
– Decongestants: Medications containing phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are generally not recommended for nursing mothers. These can potentially affect milk supply and may lead to irritability in infants.
– Combination Cold Medications: Many over-the-counter cold and flu formulations contain multiple active ingredients, which can complicate safety assessments. It’s advisable to stick to single-ingredient medications when possible.
General Recommendations
Breastfeeding while experiencing a cold is typically safe and may even help boost the baby’s immune system. However, nursing mothers should always read medication labels carefully, follow dosing instructions, and consult healthcare professionals when in doubt. This ensures that both mother and baby remain healthy and safe during cold and flu season.
In summary, while nursing, mothers can find relief from cold and flu symptoms with careful selection of medications. By prioritizing safety and consulting with healthcare providers, nursing parents can manage their symptoms effectively without compromising their baby’s health.

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.

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.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec, although generally safe, is not recommended during breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Possible side effects on the baby include irritation or lethargy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

What is the safest anti allergy medication for breastfeeding?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are the recommended antihistamines when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra and Xyzal. Antihistamines such as Zatador are available as eye drops, which help itchy, watery eyes.

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.

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.

Is Mucinex cold and flu safe while breastfeeding?

The recommended dose of basic Mucinex is likely safe to take while breastfeeding. It is worth noting, however, that some medication does pass through breast milk to the baby.

What can you take for cold and flu when breastfeeding?

Dextromethorphan. This cold medicine is considered safe for breastfeeding moms and babies. Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

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.

What is safe to breastfeed with a cold sore?

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.