What happens if you accidentally take Pepto while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Risks of Taking Pepto-Bismol While Breastfeeding
For new mothers navigating the challenges of breastfeeding, the occasional digestive discomfort can be a significant concern. Many may wonder about the safety of using over-the-counter medications like Pepto-Bismol during this time. While it is a common remedy for upset stomachs, the implications of its use while breastfeeding warrant careful consideration.
What is Pepto-Bismol?
Pepto-Bismol is an antacid that contains bismuth subsalicylate, which is effective in treating symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhea. However, its active ingredient, salicylate, is a derivative of salicylic acid, which is also found in aspirin. This connection raises important questions about its safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
Immediate Effects on Breastfeeding
If a breastfeeding mother accidentally takes Pepto-Bismol, the good news is that she can continue breastfeeding her baby without needing to pump and dump. It is generally advised that mothers can resume breastfeeding immediately after taking the medication. The salicylates from Pepto-Bismol may be present in breast milk for up to two hours, but the levels are typically low and not considered harmful for the infant.
Safety Concerns
Despite the immediate reassurance, there are significant safety concerns associated with the use of Pepto-Bismol while breastfeeding. The primary worry stems from the potential for salicylates to affect infants. Salicylates are not recommended for children due to their association with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage. Although there is limited data on the specific effects of Pepto-Bismol on breastfeeding infants, experts generally advise caution and suggest avoiding its use during this period.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Given the potential risks, healthcare professionals often recommend that breastfeeding mothers seek alternative remedies for digestive issues. Options such as dietary adjustments, hydration, and other safer over-the-counter medications may be more appropriate. If symptoms persist, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure both the mother’s and baby’s health are prioritized.
Conclusion
In summary, while taking Pepto-Bismol while breastfeeding does not necessitate immediate cessation of breastfeeding, the potential risks associated with salicylates make it advisable to avoid this medication. Mothers should consider safer alternatives and consult with healthcare professionals to manage digestive discomfort effectively while ensuring the safety of their infants.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

What happens if I took Pepto-Bismol while breastfeeding?

Risks of Pepto Bismol While Breastfeeding
The main concern about taking Pepto Bismol while breastfeeding is that your baby may be exposed to the salicylates in the medication. Salicylates are an ingredient in aspirin and have been linked to Reye’s syndrome, an illness that can have very serious symptoms in children.

How long does it take for drugs to reach breast milk?

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.

What happens if you accidentally take Pepto while pregnant?

Research has not confirmed that Pepto-Bismol is safe to take during pregnancy. It contains salicylate, which may increase the risk of bleeding. Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve an upset stomach, heartburn, and diarrhea.

Can an upset stomach harm my unborn baby?

Can a stomach bug harm my unborn baby? While stomach bugs are typically unpleasant for pregnant women, they usually don’t pose a direct threat to the unborn baby. However, severe dehydration or complications from the illness could potentially impact the pregnancy.

Is Pepto-Bismol safe while breastfeeding for Reye’s syndrome?

There are currently no reports of Reye’s syndrome in babies exposed to bismuth subsalicylate and it is normally only used very short term for stomach upset. Breastfeeding mothers would be well advised to use alternative products to treat acute diarrhoea E.g. loperamine (Imodium®) if possible.

What medicine can breastfeeding moms take for upset stomach?

Medicines For Digestive Problems
Bismuth subsalicylate compounds (such as Pepto Bismol) contain enough aspirin ingredients that they may not be safe for your baby. For a sour stomach or heartburn, Tums and Rolaids are safe to use. Look for the ingredients calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide.

How long does it take for Pepto to get out of your system?

A few days after you stop using Pepto-Bismol, your tongue discoloration should go away on its own, so you don’t really need to do anything. Pepto-Bismol is usually out of your system in one day, but it can take several days for the side effect to go away.

How long does Pepto-Bismol stay in your system?

A few days after you stop using Pepto-Bismol, your tongue discoloration should go away on its own, so you don’t really need to do anything. Pepto-Bismol is usually out of your system in one day, but it can take several days for the side effect to go away.

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.