Page Content
- What is always contraindicated with breastfeeding?
- Which drugs are excreted through breast milk?
- What decreases milk supply?
- What medications dry up the breast milk supply?
- What drugs are bad for breastfeeding?
- Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?
- What drugs are contraindicated in lactation?
- What to avoid during lactation?
- Can you take Adderall while breastfeeding?
- Which antibiotic is not safe in lactation?
Understanding Drug Safety During Lactation
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mothers and infants, and while many medications are considered safe, there are specific drugs that should be avoided to protect the health of the nursing baby. The transfer of drugs into breast milk can vary significantly, and understanding which medications pose risks is essential for nursing mothers.
Medications to Avoid
1. Long-acting and Combination Medications: It is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to avoid long-acting (LA) and extended-release (ER) formulations of medications. These types of drugs remain in the body longer, increasing the likelihood of exposure to the infant through breast milk. Instead, opting for shorter-acting medications allows for quicker elimination from the body, reducing potential risks.
2. Certain Psychotropic Medications: Some psychiatric medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like paroxetine (Paxil), are recommended to be avoided during lactation. These drugs can have significant effects on infants, and their use should be carefully considered.
3. Illicit Drugs and Alcohol: The use of illicit drugs and alcohol is strongly discouraged during breastfeeding. These substances can have detrimental effects on an infant’s development and health. Additionally, self-medication with unregulated substances poses serious risks.
4. Specific Contraindicated Drugs: While most medications are safe, a few pose clinically significant risks to breastfed infants. For instance, certain antibiotics and antineoplastic agents can be harmful and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
5. Herbal Supplements: Many herbal products lack sufficient research regarding their safety during lactation. Therefore, it is prudent for nursing mothers to avoid herbal supplements unless they have been specifically evaluated for safety in breastfeeding.
The Importance of Consultation
Given the complexities involved in medication use during lactation, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare professionals before taking any medication. The benefits of treating the mother must be weighed against the potential risks to the infant. In many cases, the risks associated with untreated maternal conditions may outweigh the risks of medication.
Conclusion
In summary, while many medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers, caution is warranted with long-acting drugs, certain psychiatric medications, and illicit substances. A thorough discussion with healthcare providers can help ensure that both mother and baby remain healthy during this important time.
What is always contraindicated with breastfeeding?
The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.
Which drugs are excreted through 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 decreases milk supply?
Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:
- Smoking or drinking.
- Some medicines and herbs.
- Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
- Nursing or pumping less often.
- Getting sick.
- Feeling stressed.
- Getting pregnant again.
What medications dry up the breast milk supply?
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.
What drugs are bad for breastfeeding?
Avoid using marijuana, crack, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, meth, and other street drugs. Misusing prescription drugs can also harm your baby. This includes taking your own prescription drugs in a way not intended by your doctor and taking a prescription drug meant for someone else.
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 drugs are contraindicated in lactation?
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 avoid during lactation?
What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding
- 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
- 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
- 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
- 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
- 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
- 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.
Can you take Adderall while breastfeeding?
It may be safe to nurse your baby if you’re taking Ritalin and Adderall that comes from a pharmacy. If you’re taking other types of stimulants, doses that make you high, or pills that aren’t from a pharmacy, it isn’t safe to chest/breastfeed.
Which antibiotic is not safe in lactation?
Antibiotics to Avoid While Breastfeeding
- Clindamycin: Clindamycin can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal (GI) effects like diarrhea, vomiting, diaper rash, or thrush in a breastfed baby2.
- Co-trimoxazole: Rarely prescribed to breastfeeding parents of newborns because of an association with increased jaundice3.