Which painkiller is safe during lactation?

Understanding Safe Painkillers During Lactation
When it comes to managing pain while breastfeeding, safety is a paramount concern for nursing mothers. The choice of pain relief medication can significantly impact both the mother’s health and the well-being of her infant. Fortunately, there are several painkillers that are generally considered safe for use during lactation.
Recommended Painkillers
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is widely regarded as a safe option for breastfeeding mothers. It is effective for mild to moderate pain relief and has a long history of use without significant adverse effects on breastfed infants. According to health guidelines, paracetamol is not only safe but also recommended for managing pain during lactation.
Ibuprofen is another pain reliever that is deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Research indicates that ibuprofen is excreted in very low amounts in breast milk, making it a suitable choice for nursing mothers.
Medications to Avoid
While paracetamol and ibuprofen are generally safe, certain medications should be approached with caution. Codeine and tramadol, for instance, are opioids that can pose risks to breastfeeding infants. These medications can lead to serious side effects, including respiratory depression in babies, especially if the mother metabolizes them rapidly. Therefore, healthcare providers often advise against their use during lactation.
Consultation is Key
Despite the general safety of paracetamol and ibuprofen, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare professionals before taking any medication. This is particularly important if the pain relief medication is combined with other drugs, as interactions may occur that could affect both the mother and the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, paracetamol and ibuprofen are the primary painkillers recommended for breastfeeding mothers, offering effective relief with minimal risk to infants. However, caution is advised with stronger pain medications like codeine and tramadol. Always consult a healthcare provider to ensure the chosen pain relief method is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

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 can I take for tooth infection 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®,

What is the 3-3-3 rule for toothache?

If you’re having a tooth ache, use the 3-3-3 method: taking three Motrin’s or Advil’s (600 mg total) three times a day for three days until your dental visit. When you go in for your dental visit the dentist will take x-rays and examine the area to determine the best way to address it.

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.

What medications can decrease milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

Why can’t you take ibuprofen while 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.

Does Tylenol or ibuprofen affect milk supply?

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.

What pain reliever can a lactating mother take for toothache?

Non-opioid pain mediation is preferred for dealing with pain while breastfeeding. Tylenol and Ibuprofen are the preferred medications to deal with pain. Both of these are found in breast milk, but the levels are low and result in minimal side effects with the infant.

What painkillers are safe to take while breastfeeding?

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only.

What drugs should be avoided during lactation?

Drugs contraindicated during breastfeeding include anticancer drugs, lithium, oral retinoids, iodine, amiodarone and gold salts. An understanding of the principles underlying the transfer into breast milk is important, as is an awareness of the potential adverse effects on the infant.