What muscle relaxer can you take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Muscle Relaxers and Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing muscle pain or spasms during breastfeeding, the safety of muscle relaxers is a significant concern for nursing mothers. The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that muscle relaxers are not recommended for use while breastfeeding due to potential risks to the infant.
Risks of Muscle Relaxers in Breastfeeding
Muscle relaxants can pass into breast milk, which raises concerns about their effects on a nursing baby. The primary risks include drowsiness and other side effects that could impact the infant’s health and development. For instance, medications like cyclobenzaprine (commonly known as Flexeril) have been studied, and while some evidence suggests that the amounts transferred into breast milk are minimal, there is still a need for caution. Monitoring the infant for signs of drowsiness and ensuring adequate weight gain is crucial if a mother must take this medication .
Specific Medications
1. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril): This muscle relaxer is often prescribed for muscle spasms. While some studies indicate that it may not pose a significant risk when taken in small amounts, healthcare providers typically advise caution. If a mother needs to use cyclobenzaprine, she should consult her doctor and monitor her baby closely for any adverse effects.
2. Baclofen: Another muscle relaxant, baclofen, is also under scrutiny regarding its safety during breastfeeding. Similar to cyclobenzaprine, it is essential for mothers to discuss its use with their healthcare provider to weigh the benefits against potential risks.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Given the potential risks associated with muscle relaxers, the best course of action for nursing mothers experiencing muscle pain is to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest alternative treatments that are safer for both the mother and the baby. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as physical therapy, heat application, or gentle stretching, might be recommended as safer options to alleviate muscle discomfort without the risks associated with medication.
In conclusion, while some muscle relaxers may be used cautiously under medical supervision, the overarching advice is to avoid them if possible during breastfeeding. The health and safety of both mother and child should always be the priority.

What muscle relaxer can I take while pregnant?

Rocuronium. Rocuronium is currently the most commonly used skeletal muscle relaxant during pregnancy and puerperium period.

Can you get a relaxer while breastfeeding?

Information about having hair treatments while breastfeeding is limited. However, the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists states that it is highly unlikely that a significant amount of the chemicals used would enter the breastmilk because very little enters the mother’s bloodstream.

What kind of relaxer is safe during pregnancy?

Chemical products designed to straighten or relax hair are generally considered to be safe to use during pregnancy. However, you should avoid products that contain substances called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and products that release formaldehyde when they’re heated.

What can I take for joint pain while breastfeeding?

It is important to consider a pain reliever’s benefits for you and its effect on your baby. Ibuprofen is usually the preferred first step because little of it passes through breastmilk. Acetaminophen also is safe to take while breastfeeding.

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.

Are there any muscle relaxers safe for breastfeeding?

Amounts of cyclobenzaprine in milk appear to be very small and two infants apparently tolerated the drug in milk well. If cyclobenzaprine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

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 muscle relaxer is safe for pregnancy?

Rocuronium. Rocuronium is currently the most commonly used skeletal muscle relaxant during pregnancy and puerperium period.

Can you take muscle relaxers in nursing?

Breastfeeding. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

What can I take for muscle pain while breastfeeding?

Paracetamol is the first choice pain medication during breastfeeding. While it appears in breast milk, the amount is too small to cause harm to your baby. Sometimes paracetamol alone may not control your pain. In this case a non- steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), for example ibuprofen, can also be taken.