What medicine can you not take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Medication Safety While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the dilemma of needing medication while ensuring the safety of their infants. While many medications are considered safe, there are specific drugs that should be avoided due to potential risks to the nursing baby.
Medications to Avoid
1. Codeine and Opioids: Medications containing codeine are particularly concerning. They can be metabolized into morphine in the body, which may lead to dangerously high levels in breast milk. This poses a risk of respiratory depression in infants, especially if the mother is an ultra-rapid metabolizer of codeine.
2. Certain Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, particularly those in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may not be safe for breastfeeding. While many SSRIs are considered compatible, others can lead to adverse effects in infants, such as irritability or feeding difficulties.
3. Chemotherapy Drugs: These medications are generally contraindicated during breastfeeding due to their potent effects and the potential for serious side effects in infants. The risk of exposure through breast milk can be significant, and mothers undergoing treatment are often advised to avoid breastfeeding altogether.
4. Radioactive Medications: Any medication that involves radioactive substances should be avoided while breastfeeding. These can pose serious health risks to the infant, and mothers are typically advised to pump and discard breast milk for a specified period following treatment.
5. Certain Herbal Supplements: While not traditional medications, some herbal supplements can be harmful. For instance, herbs like sage and parsley can decrease milk supply, while others may have unknown effects on infants.
General Guidelines for Medication Use
When considering medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial for mothers to consult healthcare providers. Most medications can be taken safely, but it is essential to discuss any potential risks and benefits. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally safe, but even these should be taken with caution and under guidance.
Additionally, mothers should be aware that some medications can affect milk supply. For example, pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold medications, may reduce milk production, although it is considered safe in small amounts.
Conclusion
In summary, while many medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers, there are notable exceptions that can pose risks to infants. Codeine, certain antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, radioactive medications, and specific herbal supplements should be avoided. Always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

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.

What medications are not safe to take while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include: codeine phosphate. decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow. some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

Which of the following should be avoided by a lactating mother?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

What medications dry up milk supply?

What medications do you think have been found to decrease milk supply? Choose 1 or more:

• Epinephrine.
• Labetolol.
• High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol)
• Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Testosterone.
• Estrogen.
• Methylergonovine (Methergine)
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

What drugs pass through breast milk?

Most drug molecules, including alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, are small enough to enter milk. Exceptions are drugs with high molecular weights such as heparins and insulin.

What can’t you do while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Is there anything to avoid while breastfeeding?

Avoiding certain foods, such as garlic, onions or cabbage, might help. Remember, there’s no need to go on a special diet while you’re breastfeeding. Simply focus on making healthy choices — and you and your baby will reap the rewards.

Is it safe to take Tylenol or ibuprofen while breastfeeding?

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.

Can I take 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.