What cold medicine can I take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Cold Medicine Safety While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of cold medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. The primary concern is ensuring that any medication taken does not adversely affect the infant’s health or the mother’s milk supply. Fortunately, many common cold remedies are considered safe for nursing mothers, allowing them to find relief without compromising their breastfeeding journey.
Safe Cold Medications
Acetaminophen is one of the most recommended pain relievers for breastfeeding mothers. It is classified as compatible with breastfeeding, as only small amounts are secreted into breast milk. In fact, infants are often given acetaminophen in doses much greater than what they would receive through breast milk, making it a safe choice for managing fever and discomfort associated with colds.
Non-drowsy antihistamines are also generally safe for nursing mothers. These medications can help alleviate symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing without causing significant sedation, which is beneficial for maintaining alertness while caring for a baby.
Nasal sprays, particularly corticosteroid sprays like Flonase and Nasacort, are effective for treating nasal congestion and are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. These sprays work locally in the nasal passages and have minimal systemic absorption, reducing the risk of affecting the infant.
Cough suppressants and decongestants can also be used, with medications like pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan being generally regarded as safe. However, it’s important to use these medications in moderation and forNavigating Cold Medicines While Breastfeeding
As a breastfeeding mother, it’s understandable to be cautious about taking any medications that could potentially affect your baby. However, there are several cold medicines that are considered safe to use while nursing.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is one of the safest options for breastfeeding mothers. Only small amounts are secreted into breast milk, and it is commonly used to treat pain and fever in infants.
Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine-based decongestants like Sudafed are generally considered safe in moderation while breastfeeding. However, they may temporarily 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 breastfeeding mothers with cold symptoms.
Cough Suppressants: Over-the-counter cough medicines containing dextromethorphan are generally considered safe in small doses while breastfeeding.
Nasal Sprays: Corticosteroid nasal sprays like Flonase and Nasacort, as well as cromolyn sodium nasal sprays, are considered very safe and effective options for breastfeeding mothers with nasal congestion.
It’s important to always check with your healthcare provider before taking any cold medication while breastfeeding, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation. Moderation is key, and you should avoid multi-symptom cold medicines that contain a combination of ingredients.
The bottom line is that you don’t have to suffer through cold symptoms while breastfeeding. With the right precautions and guidance from your doctor, you can find safe and effective relief.

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.

Can I take Tylenol cold and flu 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 decongestant is safe while breastfeeding?

Nasal decongestant sprays, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine), are the preferred decongestants for pregnant and breastfeeding women for temporary relief from sinus congestion.

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.

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 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.

What is the safest decongestant for breastfeeding?

Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray is a nasal decongestant that can be used safely while breastfeeding. Because the medicine is not absorbed well from the nasal passages, it doesn’t have the same effect on milk supply that decongestants taken by mouth can have.

What can I take while breastfeeding for a cold?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

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.

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.