What cold and flu medicine can you 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 know which medications are safe and which should be avoided.
Safe Options for Breastfeeding Mothers
When it comes to pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. These medications can help manage fever and discomfort without posing significant risks to the nursing infant. Additionally, nonsedating antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin), are also deemed safe for treating allergy symptoms and congestion.
For nasal congestion, intranasal corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flonase) can be used effectively. Studies indicate that when used as directed, the levels of this medication in breast milk are negligible, making it unlikely to affect the breastfeeding infant.
Medications to Avoid
While some medications are safe, others can pose risks. It is advisable to avoid alcohol-based cold medications, as well as popular over-the-counter options like NyQuil, Benadryl, Sudafed, and DayQuil. These can potentially affect milk supply and may not be safe for infants.
Moreover, while antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are recommended for treating the flu in breastfeeding mothers, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine if this treatment is appropriate for individual circumstances.
General Recommendations
Breastfeeding mothers experiencing cold or flu symptoms should prioritize rest and hydration alongside medication. In many cases, simple remedies such as staying hydrated and using saline nasal sprays can provide relief without the need for pharmaceuticals.
Ultimately, it’s crucial for nursing mothers to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any medication. This ensures that they receive personalized advice tailored to their health needs and those of their infants. By being informed and cautious, breastfeeding mothers can effectively manage their cold and flu symptoms while keeping their little ones safe.

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 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.

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.

Does Zyrtec dry up breast milk?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

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.

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.

Does Mucinex dry up breast milk?

Neela. “Just as they dry up your nasal congestion, they can also dry up your breast milk. Usually, antihistamines and nasal decongestants are the ingredients that have this effect on breastmilk.”

What can you take for cold and flu when 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.

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.

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.