What cold medicine can I take while breastfeeding without affecting milk supply?

Understanding Cold Medicine Safety While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of cold medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. With concerns about both personal health and the well-being of their infants, it’s crucial to choose remedies that are effective yet safe. Fortunately, there are several options available that are unlikely to affect milk supply or pose risks to nursing infants.
Safe Cold Medications
1. DextromethorSafe Cold Medicines for Breastfeeding Mothers
As a breastfeeding mother, it’s important to be cautious about the medications you take, as some can affect your milk supply or be passed on to your baby through breastmilk. However, there are several over-the-counter cold medicines that are generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding.
Decongestants:
Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are decongestants that are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers in moderation. These can help relieve nasal congestion without significantly impacting milk supply. However, prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays can lead to rebound congestion, so they should be used sparingly.
Cough Suppressants:
Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are cough suppressants and expectorants that are unlikely to affect your breastmilk. These can help relieve coughing without posing a risk to your baby.
Pain Relievers:
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers in recommended doses. These can help alleviate headaches, body aches, and fever associated with colds.
Antihistamines:
Second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are considered safe options for treating allergy symptoms while breastfeeding. These are less likely to cause drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl.
It’s important to always check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding, as individual circumstances may vary. Additionally, it’s a good idea to start with the lowest effective dose and monitor your baby for any potential side effects.

Does DayQuil decrease milk supply?

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.

What cold medicine won’t affect my milk supply?

Decongestant nasal sprays containing xylometazoline, oxymetazoline are effective in relieving nasal congestion but do not produce wakefulness nor reduce milk supply. They are safe and effective but should not be used long term (more than 7 days). Brand names include Otrivine and Sudafed.

What decongestant is safe while breastfeeding?

Safe decongestants for breastfeeding moms

• Dextromethorphan. This cold medicine is considered safe for breastfeeding moms and babies.
• Pseudoephedrine.
• Oxymetazoline.
• Phenylephrine.
• Guaifenesin.

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.

Does Mucinex decrease milk supply?

“It is best to avoid certain over-the-counter cough medications as they may decrease breast milk supply,” says Dr. 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.”

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.

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.

What can I take if I have a cold and I’m breastfeeding?

Two main OTC cough medications are considered safe to take when breastfeeding: dextromethorphan (Delsym) and guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin).

Can I take emergen C while 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.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while 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.