What throat drops are safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Safe Throat Drops While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing common ailments like sore throats without compromising their baby’s health. When it comes to throat drops, it’s essential to choose options that are both effective and safe for nursing mothers.
Recommended Throat Drops
One of the most recommended types of throat drops for breastfeeding mothers is benzocaine lozenges. These drops are favored due to their low oral absorption, meaning that the concentration of the drug in maternal blood is unlikely to reach levels that could affect a breastfed infant. This makes benzocaine cough drops, whether they contain menthol or not, an excellent choice for relief from throat discomfort.
Additionally, herbal options like slippery elm bark are also considered safe. Slippery elm is available in various forms, including herbal cough drops and throat lozenges. However, it’s crucial to check the other ingredients in these products to ensure they are free from any harmful substances.
Alternative Remedies
In addition to throat drops, there are several non-medicated remedies that can provide relief. Saltwater gargles are a simple and effective method for soothing a sore throat. Dissolving 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargling can help alleviate discomfort without any risk to the breastfeeding infant .
Caution with Other Medications
While many throat drops are safe, mothers should be cautious with certain ingredients. For instance, throat sprays like Strepsils® and Ultra-Chloraseptic are generally considered safe, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before using any new medication. Furthermore, medications containing pholcodine, particularly those purchased before March 2023, should be avoided.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely use benzocaine lozenges and slippery elm bark throat drops for sore throat relief. Non-medicated options like saltwater gargles are also effective and pose no risk to the infant. As always, it’s advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new treatment to ensure the safety of both themselves and their babies.

What can I take for a sore throat 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.

Can you have Halls cough drops while pregnant?

You may also take: Cough drops (throat lozenges), such as Halls, Ricola, Cepacol or Chloraseptic. Avoid products that contain alcohol.

How to treat a cold sore while breastfeeding?

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.

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.

What medicine can I take for strep throat while breastfeeding?

The following antibiotics are all safe to take whilst breastfeeding;

• Amoxycillin, Amoxil ®,
• Azithromycin, Zithromax®,
• Cefaclor, Distaclor®,
• Cefuroxime, Zinnat®
• Cephalexin, Cefalexin, Keflex®,
• Cephradine, Velosef®,
• Clarithromycin, Klaricid®,
• Co-amoxiclav, Augmentin®,

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.

Can you take throat drops while breastfeeding?

Sore throat
Lozenges or throat gargles containing local anaesthetic, antibacterial agents or benzydamine may be used while breastfeeding. Avoid products containing povidone-iodine (e.g. Betadine®) as it may affect the thyroid function of your baby.

Can I take anything for a cold while breastfeeding?

Pain relievers, nonsedating antihistamines, nasal sprays, and over-the-counter cough medicines are generally safe to take while breastfeeding. However, people should avoid ingredients that cause drowsiness, irritability, and reduced milk production.

What throat spray can you use while breastfeeding?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

What throat medicine can I take while breastfeeding?

Two main OTC cough medications are considered safe to take when breastfeeding: dextromethorphan (Delsym) and guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin). Dextromethorphan helps calm a cough. The amount found in breast milk after taking it is very low, so it should be safe for your baby. Guaifenesin is an expectorant.