What will happen if I take NyQuil while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Risks of Taking NyQuil While Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing cold and flu symptoms, many breastfeeding mothers may wonder about the safety of over-the-counter medications like NyQuil. This popular remedy contains several active ingredients, including dextromethorphan, an antitussive (cough suppressant), and doxylamine, an antihistamine. While these components can provide relief, their effects on breastfeeding infants are a crucial consideration.
General Safety and Considerations
Research on the effects of NyQuil during breastfeeding is limited, and while many mothers have used it without reported adverse effects in their infants, caution is still advised. Occasional use of NyQuil at recommended dosages has been reported by thousands of breastfeeding women, with almost no documented adverse effects noted in their infants. However, the lack of comprehensive studies means that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn.
Potential Effects on Infants
One of the primary concerns with NyQuil is the presence of doxylamine, which is known to cause drowsiness. This sedative effect could potentially extend to breastfeeding infants, leading to increased sleepiness or other side effects. While some dextromethorphan may pass into breast milk, it is generally considered safe for infants over two months old, although the exact impact on younger infants remains unclear.
Moreover, the combination of ingredients in NyQuil may lead to varying effects. Some components may pass into breast milk and could affect the infant for a short duration. This raises the question of whether the benefits of symptom relief for the mother outweigh the potential risks to the child.
Recommendations for Use
Given the uncertainties surrounding NyQuil’s safety during breastfeeding, many healthcare professionals recommend caution. Some sources suggest avoiding NyQuil altogether, especially in the early months of breastfeeding. Instead, mothers are encouraged to explore alternative remedies that are known to be safer for both them and their infants.
Conclusion
In summary, while many breastfeeding mothers have used NyQuil with minimal reported issues, the lack of extensive research means that caution is warranted. The potential for drowsiness in infants and the unknown effects of the medication’s ingredients necessitate a careful approach. If you’re considering taking NyQuil while breastfeeding, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits specific to your situation.

What medicine should be avoided with the nursing mother?

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 happens if you take cold medicine while breastfeeding?

Over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies are generally safe while breastfeeding. However, people need to avoid certain medications, such as oral decongestants, since they can dramatically reduce milk supply. A breastfeeding parent fighting a cold can relieve their symptoms by using OTC medications.

Is NyQuil safe for breastfeeding?

It is best not to take Nyquil while breastfeeding because it contains ingredients such as doxylamine that may affect your milk supply, and cause drowsiness in you and your newborn. Liquid formulations of Nyquil also contain alcohol which is not recommended during breastfeeding.

How long does Nyquil stay in your system?

How long does it take to get NyQuil out of your system? It takes about 65 to 78 hours to get all the ingredients from NyQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid out of your system.

Can I drink DayQuil if I’m 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).

How long does Nyquil stay in breast milk?

To help avoid these problems, wait two to 2 1/2 hours to breastfeed after having any kind of alcohol, including the small amounts that are in liquid Nyquil.

Will my baby get sick if I breastfeed with a cold?

With most common illnesses like a cold or flu, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby as long as you take proper hygiene precautions like handwashing. Continuing to breastfeed will help you to maintain your milk supply and will provide your baby with protection against the illness you are experiencing.

Can I breastfeed if I take Nyquil?

Official answer. It is best not to take Nyquil while breastfeeding because it contains ingredients such as doxylamine that may affect your milk supply, and cause drowsiness in you and your newborn. Liquid formulations of Nyquil also contain alcohol which is not recommended during breastfeeding.

How long will drugs stay in breastmilk?

A breastfeeding plan
If you do use drugs such as amphetamines or heroin as a one-off, you will need to express your breast milk in the 24 hours afterwards and throw it away before you breastfeed again. After using drugs, it is not safe for you to care for or breastfeed your baby.

What drugs can pass through a mother’s breast milk and harm a nursing baby?

If you are breastfeeding, you should not take illegal drugs. Some drugs, such as cocaine and PCP, can make the baby high. Other drugs, such as heroin and marijuana can cause irritability, poor sleeping patterns, tremors, and vomiting. Babies can become addicted to these drugs.