What flu medicine is safe for breastfeeding?

Understanding Flu Medicine Safety for Breastfeeding Mothers
When it comes to managing flu symptoms while breastfeeding, safety is a primary concern for nursing mothers. Fortunately, there are several options available that can help alleviate symptoms without compromising the health of the infant.
Flu Vaccination and Antiviral Medications
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that flu vaccination is safe for breastfeeding women and their infants aged six months and older. Mothers who receive the flu vaccine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding develop antibodies that are transmitted to their infants through breast milk, providing them with essential protection against the virus.
In the event that a breastfeeding mother contracts the flu, the CDC recommends the use of antiviral medications. Oseltamivir, commonly known by its brand name Tamiflu, is the preferred antiviral for nursing mothers. Although there is limited data on the effects of antiviral medications during breastfeeding, the CDC supports their use for mothers with confirmed or suspected flu.
Over-the-Counter Cold Medications
For general cold symptoms, many over-the-counter medications are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are typically recommended, as they do not adversely affect breast milk supply. Additionally, nonsedating antihistamines and certain nasal sprays, like oxymetazoline and fluticasone, are also deemed safe due to their localized effects and minimal absorption into the bloodstream.
However, some medications should be avoided. For instance, products containing alcohol, as well as certain cold medications like NyQuil and Benadryl, may not be suitable for breastfeeding mothers. It’s crucial for nursing mothers to consult with healthcare providers before taking any medication to ensure it is safe for both them and their infants.
Herbal Supplements and Other Considerations
While some herbal supplements, such as Echinacea, are believed to be safe during breastfeeding, there is a lack of substantial research confirming their effects on nursing mothers and their infants. Therefore, caution is advised when considering herbal remedies.
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can manage flu symptoms effectively with the right medications. Flu vaccines and antiviral medications like oseltamivir are safe, and many over-the-counter options can provide relief without risking the health of the infant. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional is the best course of action to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy during flu season.

Is Tamiflu ok while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding Patients
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is probably compatible with breastfeeding. Levels of oseltamivir in milk (39 ng/mL) are very low and would be subclinical to an infant. The infant would receive only about 0.5% of the mothers dose. The CDC considers oseltamivir safe to use in breastfeeding mothers.

Will my baby get sick if I am sick during pregnancy?

For the most part, if you get sick while pregnant, it does not affect the baby. However, many cold medicines can potentially harm the fetus, especially in the first trimester.

Is Tylenol Cold and Flu OK 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.

Is DayQuil ok while breastfeeding?

Most cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding, especially if you take them short term and only when you need them. Some of the medications that are safe include: Expectorants that contain guaifenesin (Mucinex®, Robitussin® and others). Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (DayQuil®, Delsym® and others).

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.

Can breastfeeding moms take cold and flu medicine?

Over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies are generally safe while breastfeeding. However, people need to avoid certain medications, such as oral decongestants, since they can dramatically reduce milk supply. A breastfeeding parent fighting a cold can relieve their symptoms by using OTC medications.

What cold medicine won’t affect my milk supply?

Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects. Pseudoephedrine. Another cold medicine safe for breastfeeding moms and their little ones is pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed and Allegra D.

What medicine can I take for stomach flu while breastfeeding?

Some people are prescribed (or buy) prochlorperazine (Buccastem ®, Stemetil ®) tablets to relieve the nausea and vomiting, loperamide (Imodium®) to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea and rehydrating sachets (Dioralyte ®) to prevent dehydration. These drugs are suitable to take and carry on breastfeeding as normal.

How to get rid of a cold while breastfeeding?

Try the following to help the discomfort of a cold or a sore throat when breastfeeding:

1. Take honey and lemon mixed in hot water, or sip on other warm fluids like natural teas to keep your throat moist.
2. Gargle some salt water.
3. If you have a cough, try a cough medicine that is based on glycerine and honey.

What can I take for the flu while breastfeeding?

Summary

• You can continue to breastfeed when you have a cough, cold, the flu or COVID-19.
• You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen whilst breastfeeding, at the normal adult doses.
• Oral decongestants are not recommended when you are breastfeeding as they can reduce your milk supply with just one or two doses.