What cold medicine can I take for cold while breastfeeding?

Understanding Cold Medicine Safety While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of cold medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. With the need to alleviate symptoms while ensuring the safety of their infants, many nursing moms find themselves questioning which remedies are safe to use. Fortunately, there are several options available that can help ease cold symptoms without posing significant risks to breastfeeding.
Safe Medications for Nursing Mothers
1. Acetaminophen: This common pain reliever and fever reducer is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Only small amounts of acetaminophen are secreted into breast milk, and these amounts are much lower than the doses typically given directly to infants for pain relief. This makes it a reliable choice for managing discomfort associated with colds.
2. Non-Drowsy Antihistamines: Over-the-counter (OTC) non-drowsy antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are generally safe for nursing mothers. These medications can help alleviate symptoms like runny noses and sneezing without causing significant sedation, which is beneficial for maintaining alertness while caring for a baby.
3. Nasal Sprays: Corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as Flonase and Nasacort, are also deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers. These sprays can effectively reduce nasal congestion and are considered some of the safest options available. Additionally, saline nasal sprays can provide relief without any risk to the infant.
4. Cough Medicines: Many OTC cough medicines are safe to use while breastfeeding, particularly those that do not contain alcohol or codeine. It’s advisable to choose products that are specifically labeled as safe for nursing mothers.
5. Antivirals for Flu: If a nursing mother suspects she has the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends antiviral medications, with oral oseltamivir being the preferred option. While data on the safety of these medications during breastfeeding is limited, they are generally considered safe.
Medications to Avoid
While many cold medications are safe, some should be approached with caution. For instance, certain decongestants can potentially reduce milk supply, so it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before using these products. Additionally, medications containing codeine or other narcotics should be avoided, as they can have adverse effects on both the mother and the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers do not need to suffer through a cold without relief. Safe options like acetaminophen, non-drowsy antihistamines, nasal sprays, and certain cough medicines can help alleviate symptoms effectively. However, it is always wise to consult with a healthcare professionalSafe Cold Medicines for Breastfeeding
As a breastfeeding mother, it’s important to be cautious about the medications you take, as some can pass into your breast milk and potentially affect your baby. However, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines that are generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is compatible with breastfeeding, as only small amounts are secreted into breast milk.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Ibuprofen is also a safe option for pain relief and fever reduction while breastfeeding.
Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine are generally considered safe in moderation, as only small amounts enter breast milk. However, they may reduce milk supply, so it’s best to use them sparingly.
Antihistamines: Non-drowsy antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are usually safe options for treating allergy symptoms.
Cough medicines: Over-the-counter cough suppressants and expectorants containing dextromethorphan or guaifenesin are generally considered safe while breastfeeding.
It’s important to note that while these medications are generally safe, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding, as individual responses can vary. They can provide guidance on the appropriate dosage and duration of use.
Medications to Avoid
Some cold medications should be avoided or used with caution while breastfeeding, as they may have negative effects on the baby. These include:
Decongestant nasal sprays: Prolonged use of these can lead to rebound congestion and may be harmful to the baby.
Certain antihistamines: Older, sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) should be avoided, as they can cause drowsiness in the baby.
Combination cold medicines: Products that contain multiple active ingredients may be riskier, as the effects of the various components on the baby are less well-known.
In summary, while breastfeeding, it’s best to stick to simple, single-ingredient OTC cold medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and non-drowsy antihistamines. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication to ensure it’s safe for you and your baby.

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.

How to get rid of a cold while breastfeeding?

Try the following to help the discomfort of a cold or a sore throat when breastfeeding:

1. Take honey and lemon mixed in hot water, or sip on other warm fluids like natural teas to keep your throat moist.
2. Gargle some salt water.
3. If you have a cough, try a cough medicine that is based on glycerine and honey.

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.

What can a breastfeeding mom take for the flu?

For women who are breastfeeding with suspected or confirmed flu, the preferred antiviral medication is oral oseltamivir.

What cold medicine can I take while breastfeeding?

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.

Will DayQuil dry up breast milk?

Other medications, like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, can hinder milk production and cause irritability or other side effects in babies. Avoid products sold under the brand names Benedryl, Sudafed, NyQuil, and DayQuil while lactating.

Will my baby catch my cold if I breastfeed?

With most common illnesses like a cold or flu, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby as long as you take proper hygiene precautions like handwashing. Continuing to breastfeed will help you to maintain your milk supply and will provide your baby with protection against the illness you are experiencing.

Can breastfeeding moms take DayQuil?

Most cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding, especially if you take them short term and only when you need them. Some of the medications that are safe include: Expectorants that contain guaifenesin (Mucinex®, Robitussin® and others). Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (DayQuil®, Delsym® and others).

Can I take Mucinex while 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 emergen C safe for breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.