What headache medication can you take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Headache Medication While Breastfeeding
For breastfeeding mothers, managing headaches can be a delicate balance between seeking relief and ensuring the safety of their infant. Fortunately, there are several headache medications that are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, allowing mothers to find relief without compromising their baby’s health.
Safe Medications for Headaches
Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly recommended pain relievers for breastfeeding mothers. It is classified as compatible with breastfeeding, as only small amounts are secreted into breast milk. In fact, the doses that infants would receive through breast milk are significantly lower than those given directly to infants for pain relief. This makes acetaminophen a go-to option for many mothers experiencing headaches.
Ibuprofen is another safe choice. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is effective for tension headaches and migraines. Like acetaminophen, ibuprofen is also considered safe during breastfeeding, as it passes into breast milk in minimal amounts. Mothers can use ibuprofen to alleviate pain without worrying about adverse effects on their nursing infants.
For those suffering from migraines, medications such as sumatriptan and eletriptan are also deemed safe. These triptans, commonly prescribed for migraine relief, enter breast milk in very small quantities—often less than 1% of the maternal dose—and are cleared from the system within a few hours. Research has shown no short-term or long-term developmental issues in breastfeeding infants exposed to these medications.
Non-Pharmacological Approaches
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes and non-drug therapies can also provide relief. Techniques such as applying ice packs to the neck, practicing relaxation exercises, and ensuring adequate hydration can help alleviate headache symptoms. These methods not only support overall well-being but also minimize the need for medication.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding mothers need not suffer in silence when it comes to headaches. With safe options like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and certain migraine medications, they can effectively manage their pain while continuing to provide the benefits of breastfeeding. As always, it’s advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any medication to ensure it aligns with their specific health needs and circumstances.

Is it safe to take Advil or Tylenol while breastfeeding?

Most over-the-counter (also called OTC) medicine, like pain relievers and cold medicine, are OK to take when you’re breastfeeding. For example, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) are safe to use when breastfeeding.

Is extra strength Tylenol safe while pregnant?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered the safest painkiller to take during pregnancy. Yes, you can take Extra-Strength (500 mg) Tylenol during pregnancy, but don’t take more than 6 caplets (3,000 mg) in 24 hours unless your doctor advises you to. Yes, you can take the proper dose of Tylenol any time during pregnancy.

Does Tylenol affect breast milk supply?

Your baby receives very little of the medication in your milk, and very few meds will affect your milk supply. Tylenol and ibuprofen are fine to take for pain relief and fever, for example. For allergies and colds, most antihistamines are okay, but some decongestants can decrease your milk supply.

What can I take for a headache while breastfeeding?

Women with migraine may be concerned about breastfeeding due to fears of exposing the baby to medication. However, many medications can be safely taken during breastfeeding, including acetaminophen (Tylenol), anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), and sumatriptan (Imitrex).

What can I take for cluster headaches while breastfeeding?

Thus, the preferred agents for acute treatment of CH during lactation would include oxygen, sumatriptan, and lidocaine; for prevention, prednisone/prednisolone and verapamil would be appropriate first options when required (Table 2) [24].

Can I have Excedrin while breastfeeding?

Because of the aspirin contained in Excedrin, be sure to talk with your doctor before using this drug while breastfeeding.

What can I take for postpartum headache?

Treatment for postpartum headaches is similar to treatment for any other headaches. Options include: Taking headache medicine: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and over-the-counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen sodium) can help ease headache symptoms.

How long do lactation headaches last?

Experts think this might be related to the surge in ocytocin (a hormone). Some moms find that mild pain killers (like Tylenol or Advil) help and that the headaches become less severe or stop around two months postpartum. Other moms have problems with these “lactation headaches” until they wean.

Which headache medicine is safe during breastfeeding?

Tylenol (acetaminophen): Also known as paracetamol, Tylenol is considered the first-line pain relief treatment for headaches while you’re breastfeeding or pregnant. If this medication alone doesn’t work, it can be combined with other medications.

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