What is a list of cold medications safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Cold Medications Safe for Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of cold medications while breastfeeding can be daunting for new mothers. With concerns about the safety of various drugs for both the nursing parent and the infant, it’s crucial to know which options are considered safe. Fortunately, there are several medications that can help alleviate cold symptoms without posing significant risks to breastfeeding.
Safe Cold Medications
1. Pain Relievers:
– Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen are generally regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers. These medications transfer only a minimal amount into breast milk, making them first-choice options for managing pain and fever associated with colds.
2. Nonsedating Antihistamines:
– Medications like loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are considered safe. These nonsedating antihistamines can help relieve allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness, which is beneficial for nursing mothers.
3. Nasal Sprays:
– Saline nasal sprays are safe and can provide relief from nasal congestion without any risk to the breastfeeding infant. They work by moisturizing the nasal passages and helping to clear mucus.
4. Cough Medicines:
– Over-the-counter cough medications that do not contain alcohol or sedating ingredients are generally safe. However, it’s important to check the active ingredients to avoid those that may cause drowsiness or irritability in infants.
5. Low-Dose Aspirin:
– While low doses (75 mg to 300 mg daily) of aspirin are likely safe, higher doses should be avoided due to the risk of serious side effects in infants, such as bleeding.
Medications to Avoid
While there are safe options available, certain medications should be avoided during breastfeeding:
– Alcohol-based medications: These can be harmful to infants and should be completely avoided.
– NyQuil, Benadryl, Sudafed, and DayQuil: These medications often contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness or other adverse effects in nursing infants.
– Codeine: This medication can pose risks due to variable metabolism rates in individuals, which can lead to increased levels in breast milk.
Conclusion
When dealing with a cold while breastfeeding, it’s essential to choose medications wisely. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and nonsedating antihistamines are generally safe options, while certain medications like NyQuil and codeine should be avoided. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific situation. By making informed choices, nursing mothers can effectively manage their cold symptoms while keeping their babies safe.

What is the safest decongestant for breastfeeding?

Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray is a nasal decongestant that can be used safely while breastfeeding. Because the medicine is not absorbed well from the nasal passages, it doesn’t have the same effect on milk supply that decongestants taken by mouth can have.

Is mucinex safe 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.

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.

What cold medicine can I take 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).

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick and breastfeeding?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.

Can you take Mucinex cold and flu 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.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

Is Mucinex safe for 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.

What is safe to breastfeed with a cold sore?

Breastfeeding and cold sores
Cold sores occur commonly around the time of delivery, so it is important to treat cold sores aggressively to prevent transmission to a newborn baby. Aciclovir cream, aciclovir or valaciclovir tablets are all considered safe while breastfeeding.

How do you treat a cold in a breastfed baby?

Self care

1. Offer plenty of fluids. Liquids are important to avoid dehydration.
2. Suction your baby’s nose. Keep your baby’s nasal passages clear with a rubber-bulb syringe.
3. Try nasal saline drops. Your baby’s doctor may recommend saline nasal drops to moisten nasal passages and loosen thick nasal mucus.
4. Moisten the air.