What painkillers are safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Safe Painkillers While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing pain while ensuring the safety of their infants. The good news is that several pain relief options are considered safe during this period.
Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen
According to health experts, acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen are generally regarded as safe painkillers for breastfeeding mothers. These medications can be taken up to the recommended daily maximum doses without significant risk to the nursing infant. Acetaminophen is often recommended for its effectiveness in relieving mild to moderate pain, while ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can also help reduce inflammation.
Topical Treatments
For localized pain, diclofenac in the form of gel or eye drops is compatible with breastfeeding. However, oral or suppository forms of diclofenac should be used cautiously and only under a doctor’s guidance, especially for individuals with certain health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
Opioids and Stronger Painkillers
While stronger pain medications like hydrocodone (found in products like Vicodin) may raise concerns, recent studies suggest that they can be safe in smaller doses for nursing mothers. However, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before using opioids, as these can potentially affect the infant if not managed properly.
Medications to Avoid
Certain painkillers should be avoided while breastfeeding. Aspirin, for instance, is not recommended due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome in children. Additionally, medications containing codeine can pose risks, particularly if the mother metabolizes it rapidly, leading to higher levels in breast milk.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers have several safe options for pain relief, primarily acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Topical treatments like diclofenac gel are also viable for localized pain. However, caution is advised with stronger medications, and mothers should always consult healthcare professionals to ensure the safety of both themselves and their infants. By staying informed and seeking guidance, mothers can effectively manage pain while continuing to provide the best nutrition for their babies.

Can you take oxycodone while breastfeeding?

Oxycodone and breastfeeding
Although only small amounts of oxycodone pass into breast milk, it may still cause side effects in your baby such as breathing problems, being very sleepy, or difficulty feeding. Because of this potential risk, your doctor may recommend a different painkiller while you’re breastfeeding.

Can I breastfeed while taking hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a narcotic that is widely used, often in nursing mothers. Although case reports suggest that hydrocodone in breast milk sometimes may be problematic for the breastfed infant, no reports exist on the amount of its excretion into breast milk.

What is a stomach friendly alternative to ibuprofen?

Acetaminophen, especially in low dose, appears less likely to irritate the stomach than NSAIDs, so in many cases it is reasonable to take acetaminophen along with (or instead of) NSAIDs.

Do painkillers pass through breastmilk?

Small amounts of any medicine you take may pass through your breast milk to your baby. Generally, the amounts are very low and very few medicines are unsafe while you’re breastfeeding.

Does ibuprofen decrease milk supply?

That’s because some medicines can affect your breast milk. Many medicines are safe to use when you breastfeed. These include: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

What pain reliever can I take postpartum?

Ibuprofen is usually the preferred first step because little of it passes through breastmilk. Acetaminophen also is safe to take while breastfeeding. Both medications are available over the counter. Talk with your ob-gyn if you feel you need other options, or before combining two or more pain medications.

What painkillers can I take when breastfeeding?

You can take ibuprofen or use it on your skin while breastfeeding. It is one of the painkillers that’s usually recommended if you’re breastfeeding. Only tiny amounts get into breast milk and it’s unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. Many people have used it while breastfeeding without any problems.

Is Tylenol or ibuprofen safer 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.

Which painkiller is safe for feeding a mother?

You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen together during breastfeeding if needed, up to their maximum daily doses.

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