What is safe to take for a cold while breastfeeding?

Understanding Cold Remedies While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of cold medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. With the need to alleviate symptoms while ensuring the safety of their infants, it’s crucial to understand which remedies are safe and effective.
General Safety of Cold Medications
Most over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to experts, medications such as pain relievers, nonsedating antihistamines, and nasal sprays can be used without significant risk to the nursing infant. These medications typically pass into breast milk in very small amounts—usually less than 1% of the dosage taken by the mother.
Recommended Medications
1. Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are both safe options for managing fever and discomfort associated with colds. They do not adversely affect milk supply and are well-tolerated.
2. Nonsedating Antihistamines: Medications like loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are preferred as they are less likely to cause drowsiness in both the mother and the baby.
3. Cough Drops and Lozenges: These can provide relief for sore throats and are safe to use while breastfeeding.
4. Nasal Sprays: Saline nasal sprays are safe and can help relieve nasal congestion without affecting milk supply.
Medications to Avoid
While many medications are safe, some should be approached with caution:
– Drowsy Antihistamines: Medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can cause sedation and may lead to irritability in infants. It’s advisable to avoid these if possible.
– Combination Cold Medications: Products that combine multiple active ingredients may contain components that could interfere with milk production or cause adverse effects in infants.
– Aspirin: Low doses may be safe, but higher doses can accumulate in the baby’s system and pose risks, including bleeding.
– Alcohol-Based Medications: These should be avoided entirely as they can affect both the mother and the infant.
Breastfeeding While Sick
It’s important to note that breastfeeding while sick is generally safe. The viruses that cause colds do not pass into breast milk, meaning that mothers can continue to nurse without fear of transmitting the illness to their babies. In fact, breastfeeding can provide infants with antibodies that help protect them from illness.
Conclusion
For breastfeeding mothers dealing with a cold, there are several safe options available to alleviate symptoms. By choosing the right medications and avoiding those that could pose risks, mothers can care for themselves while ensuring the health and safety of their infants. Always consult with a healthcare provider if there are any uncertainties regarding specific medications or symptoms.

Can I have Tylenol cold and flu 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.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec, although generally safe, is not recommended during breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Possible side effects on the baby include irritation or lethargy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

What cold medicine is safe for 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).

Is emergen C safe for breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.

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.

Can breastfeeding moms take DayQuil?

Dextromethorphan. This cold medicine is considered safe for breastfeeding moms and babies. Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

Can I take Mucinex 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.

How do you treat a cold while breastfeeding?

Try the following to help the discomfort of a cold or a sore throat when breastfeeding:

1. Take honey and lemon mixed in hot water, or sip on other warm fluids like natural teas to keep your throat moist.
2. Gargle some salt water.
3. If you have a cough, try a cough medicine that is based on glycerine and honey.

Will DayQuil dry up breast milk?

Other medications, like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, can hinder milk production and cause irritability or other side effects in babies. Avoid products sold under the brand names Benedryl, Sudafed, NyQuil, and DayQuil while lactating.

What is the safest antihistamine while breastfeeding?

Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include: Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are the recommended antihistamines when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra and Xyzal.