Will phenylephrine dry up milk supply?

Understanding Phenylephrine and Its Impact on Breastfeeding
Phenylephrine is a common decongestant often used to relieve nasal congestion due to colds or allergies. However, its use during breastfeeding raises important questions regarding its safety and potential effects on milk supply.
The Effects of Phenylephrine on Milk Production
Research indicates that while phenylephrine has a low oral bioavailability of about 40%, meaning that only a fraction of the drug enters the bloodstream when taken orally, there are concerns regarding its impact on lactation. Specifically, both intravenous and oral forms of phenylephrine may decrease milk production. This is particularly relevant for breastfeeding mothers who rely on maintaining a steady milk supply for their infants.
Experts generally advise caution when considering phenylephrine while breastfeeding. Although the drug is unlikely to be excreted into breast milk in significant amounts due to its poor absorption, the potential for it to affect milk supply cannot be overlooked. Some healthcare professionals suggest that the use of phenylephrine might not be advisable for nursing mothers, especially if they are concerned about maintaining their milk supply.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
For mothers who are breastfeeding and experiencing nasal congestion, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before taking phenylephrine or any medication. Alternatives that are known to be safer for breastfeeding mothers may be recommended. Additionally, monitoring any changes in milk supply after taking phenylephrine can help in assessing its impact on individual cases.
In summary, while phenylephrine may provide relief from nasal congestion, its potential to dry up milk supply makes it a medication that should be approached with caution by breastfeeding mothers. Always prioritize discussions with healthcare professionals to ensure both maternal and infant health are safeguarded.

What will stop my milk supply?

Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body is making.

• 7 ways to dry your breast milk supply quickly.
• Cold turkey.
• Herbs.
• Cabbage.
• Birth control.
• Sudafed.
• Vitamin B.
• Other drugs.

Will my milk supply come back after taking Sudafed?

One small study showed that over a 24-hour period, Sudafed decreased the women’s milk production by 24 percent. If you take Sudafed while breastfeeding, you should monitor how much milk your body makes. Drinking extra fluids may help increase the amount of milk you produce.

Which allergy meds decrease milk supply?

Medications that affect breast milk production

• Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine)
• Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine)
• Allegra-D (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine)
• Aleve-D Sinus and Cold (naproxen/pseudoephedrine)

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 cold medicine won’t decrease milk supply?

Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects. Pseudoephedrine. Another cold medicine safe for breastfeeding moms and their little ones is pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed and Allegra D.

Is phenylephrine the same as pseudoephedrine?

Are phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine the same? Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are both adrenergic agonists. Phenylephrine has primarily an affinity to only alpha-adrenergic receptors, while pseudoephedrine has an affinity to both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. Their side effect profiles are very similar.

Will phenylephrine dry up breast milk?

Summary of Use during Lactation
The oral bioavailability of phenylephrine is very low, so the drug is unlikely to reach the infant in large amounts. [1] However, intravenous or oral administration of phenylephrine might decrease milk production.

What medications 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.

Can I take phenylephrine while breastfeeding?

Phenyephrine is poorly bioavailability (not well absorbed from the gut) so it is not likely to produce effects in a breastfed infant with normal doses. Because of pseudoephedrine’s effect on milk production, concerns exist that phenylephrine may suppress milk although there is no evidence that this occurs.

Is phenylephrine safe for breastfeeding?

Phenyephrine is poorly bioavailability (not well absorbed from the gut) so it is not likely to produce effects in a breastfed infant with normal doses. Because of pseudoephedrine’s effect on milk production, concerns exist that phenylephrine may suppress milk although there is no evidence that this occurs.