What IBS medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding IBS Medications During Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) while breastfeeding, safety is a primary concern for nursing mothers. The choice of medication can significantly impact both the mother’s health and the well-being of her infant. Fortunately, there are options that are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Hyoscine (Buscopan)
One of the most commonly recommended medications for IBS is Hyoscine, also known by its brand name Buscopan. This medication is often preferred by patients suffering from IBS due to its effectiveness in relieving abdominal cramps and spasms. Importantly, studies have shown that no levels of Hyoscine have been reported in breast milk, suggesting that it is unlikely to affect a breastfeeding infant. The medication is typically licensed at half the adult dose for children over six years, which further supports its safety profile for nursing mothers .
General Guidelines for Medication Use
While Hyoscine is a suitable option, it’s essential for breastfeeding mothers to approach medication use with caution. The general guideline is to use medications only when absolutely necessary, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration possible. This principle helps minimize any potential risks to the infant.
Other Considerations
In addition to Hyoscine, other medications commonly used for pain relief, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are also considered safe during breastfeeding. These medications have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, meaning they are excreted into breast milk in very small amounts, making them suitable for lactating mothers. However, it is always advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter options.
Conclusion
In summary, Hyoscine (Buscopan) stands out as a safe medication for managing IBS symptoms in breastfeeding mothers, with no significant transfer to breast milk reported. As always, nursing mothers should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to ensure the best choices for their health and their baby’s safety.

What can I take for gut health while breastfeeding?

Maternal probiotic supplements
Maternal probiotic supplements effectively orchestrate the breast milk and infant gut microbiome with a wide range of clinical benefits and safety. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus thermophilus, and S. boulardii can be used as maternal supplements to promote infant health.

What is the best medicine for upset stomach while breastfeeding?

Cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine
Ranitidine and famotidine appear to carry minimal risk in pregnant women,6, 7 cimetidine has a small risk. Similarly, ranitidine and famotidine are the preferred choices in breastfeeding women.

Can you breastfeed if you have IBS?

There is no evidence that points to breastfeeding as a risk factor for flare-ups. As mentioned above, it provides many benefits to both mother and baby.

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 is the safest antispasmodic for breastfeeding?

Hyoscine butylbromide, propantheline or peppermint oil are considered preferred choices in breastfeeding. Mebeverine and alverine can also be used.

Can I take dicyclomine while breastfeeding?

Giving dicyclomine to infants under 6 months has led to cases of severe breathing problems, seizures, fainting, changes in heart rate, muscle weakness, coma, and death. Dicyclomine should not be used in infants under 6 months. Breastfeeding. Do not take dicyclomine if you are breastfeeding.

What IBS medication is safe for breastfeeding?

Hyoscine (Buscopan ®) is often the drug preferred by patients with IBS. No levels in breastmilk have been reported from studies. It is licensed at half the adult dose for children over 6 years (10 milligrammes three times daily) so the amount passing into breastmilk is likely to be safe.

What can I take for stomach cramps while breastfeeding?

How to Get Relief From Cramps While Nursing

• Using a warm or hot compress. You can apply this directly to your abdomen.
• Taking an OTC medication. Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help reduce discomfort from cramps, Patrick says.
• Peeing regularly.
• Sitting “pretzel-style” while you nurse.

What IBS medication can I take when pregnant?

Hyoscine treatment can reduce the symptoms caused by IBS, bladder problems and motion sickness, and can greatly improve quality of life. However, hyoscine is only recommended in pregnancy if there are no alternative treatments as there is very little information about how it might affect the unborn baby.

Is dicyclomine safe for babies?

If your child has any of these health problems: Bowel block, heart problems due to bleeding, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, reflux esophagitis, slow moving GI (gastrointestinal tract), trouble passing urine, or very bad ulcerative colitis. Do not give this drug to an infant younger than 6 months of age.