What drugs should be avoided during breastfeeding?

Understanding Medications During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial period for both mother and child, and while many medications are considered safe, there are specific drugs that should be avoided to ensure the health and safety of the infant. The transfer of substances through breast milk can pose risks, making it essential for nursing mothers to be informed about which medications could potentially harm their babies.
Medications to Avoid
1. Chemotherapy Agents: Drugs used in cancer treatment are generally contraindicated during breastfeeding. These medications can have severe effects on a nursing infant, and alternatives should be sought whenever possible.
2. Amphetamines: Often prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, amphetamines can pass into breast milk and may affect the infant’s behavior and development. Therefore, they are best avoided during this sensitive time.
3. Ergotamines: Used primarily for migraine treatment, ergotamines can also be harmful to breastfeeding infants. The potential for adverse effects makes it advisable to find alternative treatments.
4. Oral Retinoids: Medications like isotretinoin, used for severe acne, should be avoided. While topical retinoids may be safe, oral forms can pose significant risks to a breastfeeding child.
5. Certain Antibiotics: While many antibiotics are safe, some, like metronidazole, have uncertain effects on infants. Although the amount transferred through breast milk is low, caution is advised due to potential mutagenic effects observed in older studies.
6. Recreational Drugs: Substances such as marijuana and cocaine can be extremely harmful to a breastfeeding infant. These drugs can affect the baby’s development and overall health, making their use during breastfeeding highly discouraged.
7. Statins: Medications used to lower cholesterol levels are generally not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. The potential risks to the infant outweigh the benefits of these drugs during lactation.
General Guidelines for Medication Use
While the list of medications to avoid is critical, it is equally important to note that most medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers. The amount of drug that passes into breast milk is often minimal and significantly lower than doses given directly to infants. However, nursing mothers should always consult healthcare providers before starting any new medication.
To minimize the risk of drug transfer to the infant, mothers can time their medication intake strategically. For instance, taking medication just after breastfeeding can help ensure that the drug concentration in breast milk is at its lowest when the baby is next fed.
Conclusion
In summary, while many medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers, certain drugs pose significant risks to infants and should be avoided. It is crucial for nursing mothers to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers about any medications they are considering, ensuring both their health and that of their child are prioritized.

What drugs are excreted in breast milk?

• analgesics and antipyretics: short courses of paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen;
• antibiotics: ampicillin, amoxicillin, cloxacillin and other penicillins, erythromycin.
• bronchodilators (e.g. salbutamol), corticosteroids, antihistamines, antacids.

What medications dry up milk supply?

What medications do you think have been found to decrease milk supply? Choose 1 or more:

• Epinephrine.
• Labetolol.
• High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol)
• Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Testosterone.
• Estrogen.
• Methylergonovine (Methergine)
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

What drugs can pass through a mother’s breast milk and harm a nursing baby?

If you are breastfeeding, you should not take illegal drugs. Some drugs, such as cocaine and PCP, can make the baby high. Other drugs, such as heroin and marijuana can cause irritability, poor sleeping patterns, tremors, and vomiting. Babies can become addicted to these drugs.

Is there anything to avoid while breastfeeding?

Avoiding certain foods, such as garlic, onions or cabbage, might help. Remember, there’s no need to go on a special diet while you’re breastfeeding. Simply focus on making healthy choices — and you and your baby will reap the rewards.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

Which drugs are usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

What to drink to increase breast milk?

You can also buy or make lactation tea. These herbal teas feature galactagogues like fenugreek, ginger, fennel, and other herbs thought to boost milk supply. Lactation teas are safe but check with your doctor to ensure the ingredients don’t interact with any medications or supplements you’re already taking.

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’t you do while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

What are 5 disadvantages of breastfeeding?

• There can be discomfort involved with breastfeeding.
• You may leak milk at times that are inconvenient or embarrassing.
• Feeding your baby in public may be more difficult.
• Everything you consume is being passed on to your baby.
• You need special clothing and bras for breastfeeding.