What drugs should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Understanding Medication Safety 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. Oral Retinoids: Medications like isotretinoin, commonly used for severe acne, are contraindicated during breastfeeding. While topical retinoids may be safe, oral forms can lead to significant risks for the nursing infant, including potential developmental issues.
2. Certain Antibiotics: While many antibiotics are safe, some, such as metronidazole (Flagyl), are rated with caution. Although the amount transferred to breast milk is low, concerns arise from older studies linking its use during pregnancy to mutagenicity. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using such medications.
3. Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, particularly those in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, can be passed through breast milk. While many are deemed safe, medications like paroxetine may pose risks and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
4. Chemotherapy Drugs: These medications are generally contraindicated during breastfeeding due to their potent effects and the potential for serious side effects in infants. Mothers undergoing chemotherapy are typically advised to avoid breastfeeding altogether.
5. Recreational Drugs and Alcohol: Substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol can have detrimental effects on a breastfeeding infant. These drugs can impair the infant’s development and lead to serious health issues.
6. Certain Hormonal Medications: Hormonal treatments, particularly those involving high doses of estrogen, can affect milk supply and may not be safe for breastfeeding mothers. It’s crucial to evaluate the necessity and safety of such treatments with a healthcare provider.
General Guidelines for Medication Use
While the list of medications to avoid is important, it’s equally vital to understand that most commonly used drugs are relatively safe for breastfeeding mothers. The amount of medication that passes into breast milk is often significantly lower than the doses given directly to infants. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
– Timing of Medication: Taking medication just after breastfeeding can minimize the amount of drug that enters the milk, as levels are typically lowest at that time.
– Short-acting Medications: Whenever possible, opt for shorter-acting medications over long-acting or combination forms. This allows for better control over dosing and reduces the risk of prolonged exposure to the infant.
– Consult Healthcare Providers: Always discuss any medications with a healthcare provider, especially if you are breastfeeding. They can provide tailored advice based on individual health needs and the specific medication in question.
Conclusion
Navigating medication use while breastfeeding can be complex, but understanding which drugs to avoid is crucial for the health of both mother and child. By staying informed and consulting healthcare professionals, breastfeeding mothers can make safe choices that support their well-being and that of their infants.

What to drink to increase breast milk fast?

Drinks to increase nutrients in breast milk

1. Water. Plain water tops the list because not getting enough of it can directly reduce your milk supply.
2. Cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is on the list because of its nutrient density.
3. Herbal tea with fenugreek.
4. Fruit smoothie with chia seeds.
5. Coconut water.
6. Juice.

What you Cannot 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.

Which drugs cannot be taken when breastfeeding?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.

What passes through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

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.

What drugs show up in breast milk?

Most drug molecules, including alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, are small enough to enter milk. Exceptions are drugs with high molecular weights such as heparins and insulin.

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.

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.

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

Drugs

• If you use amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine or heroin, you should not breastfeed for 24 hours after use.
• If you smoke cannabis or tobacco you should breastfeed your baby before you smoke, and smoke outside and away from the baby. Do not have your baby in the same room as the smoke.