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What if I took Excedrin while breastfeeding?

Understanding Excedrin and Breastfeeding
Taking Excedrin while breastfeeding raises important considerations for both the mother and the infant. Excedrin is a combination medication that typically contains acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Each of these components has different implications for breastfeeding mothers.
Acetaminophen: Generally Safe
Acetaminophen, one of the primary ingredients in Excedrin, is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when used at recommended doses. It is known to pass into breast milk in small amounts, but studies suggest that it does not pose significant risks to breastfed infants. In fact, acetaminophen is often recommended for pain relief during breastfeeding, as it is effective and has a long history of safety in this context.
Aspirin: Caution Advised
Aspirin, another component of Excedrin, requires more caution. While limited amounts of aspirin are known to transfer into breast milk, the recommendation is to avoid high doses. If a mother takes a large dose of aspirin (such as 500 mg), it is advised to withhold breastfeeding for at least 12 hours to minimize any potential exposure to the infant. This is particularly important because aspirin can lead to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition in children.
Caffeine: Potential Effects
Caffeine, the third ingredient in Excedrin, can also pass into breast milk. While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, excessive intake may affect the infant’s sleep patterns and overall well-being. Therefore, if a mother takes Excedrin, which contains caffeine, she should be mindful of her total caffeine consumption throughout the day.
Professional Guidance Recommended
Given the complexities involved with the ingredients in Excedrin, it is highly recommended that breastfeeding mothers consult with a healthcare professional before taking this medication. This ensures that they receive personalized advice based on their specific health needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, while acetaminophen in Excedrin is typically safe for breastfeeding mothers, caution is warranted with aspirin and caffeine. Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure the safety of both the mother and the infant when considering the use of Excedrin during breastfeeding.

How long do you have to wait to breastfeed after taking a pain pill?

You can feed your baby infant formula, donor milk or milk you pumped before taking opioids. Pump and discard your milk for at least 1-3 hours. Pumping as often as you usually feed your baby is a good way to maintain your milk supply. Wait at least 1-3 hours after taking opioids before nursing your baby.

How to flush aspirin out of your system?

Other medicines may be given through a vein, including potassium salt and sodium bicarbonate, which helps the body remove aspirin that has already been absorbed. If these treatments do not work or the overdose is extremely severe, hemodialysis (kidney machine) may be needed to reverse the condition.

What happens if you accidentally take Excedrin Migraine while pregnant?

Taking Excedrin Migraine or other medications containing aspirin in your third trimester increases the risk of a rare congenital heart defect called premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, and it increases the risk of excessive blood loss during delivery, putting both you and your baby at risk.

What is the strongest painkiller I can take while breastfeeding?

Morphine (Oramorph®, Actimorph®) is the strong opioid of choice while breastfeeding. It can be used with caution at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible duration. Oral morphine is frequently given to mothers after a caesarean section. You can use it with caution when breastfeeding.

What happens if you take Excedrin while breastfeeding?

Aspirin: Don’t take aspirin or aspirin-containing products when you’re breastfeeding because the drug can cause adverse effects in your baby. Remember that there’s often aspirin in over-the-counter headache medications like Excedrin and Excedrin Migraine.

Is Excedrin ok to take while pregnant?

“I usually say Tylenol is the safest option for pain and headache management within pregnancy,” Langan said. “You can also take Excedrin Tension Headache.” For a natural approach, pregnant women can try a small dose of natural caffeine, like chocolate or coffee for under 200 milligrams of caffeine.

Is Excedrin tension safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The active ingredients in Excedrin Tension Headache are acetaminophen and caffeine. In the amounts found in Excedrin Tension Headache, these drugs are generally safe to use by pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Can I breastfeed my baby after taking aspirin?

Only take low dose aspirin while you’re breastfeeding if your doctor has advised you to do so. Aspirin passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and it is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. However, there is a possible link between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome in children.

Is Excedrin just ibuprofen?

Advil Migraine and Excedrin Migraine are comparable medications. But these key differences separate the two: Different ingredients: Advil Migraine contains ibuprofen. Excedrin Migraine, on the other hand, is a combination medication that contains aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine.

How long does it take Excedrin to wear off?

How long does Excedrin Migraine last? In three placebo-controlled studies, an acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine combination (equivalent to Excedrin Migraine) was shown to last up to 6 hours when taken to relieve migraine headache pain.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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