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Will Tylenol Sinus dry up breast milk?

Understanding the Impact of Tylenol Sinus on Breast Milk Production
When it comes to managing cold symptoms while breastfeeding, many nursing mothers may wonder about the safety and effects of medications like Tylenol Sinus. This combination medication typically contains acetaminophen for pain relief and a decongestant, often pseudoephedrine, which is known to alleviate nasal congestion. However, the implications of using such medications during breastfeeding are significant and warrant careful consideration.
The Role of Pseudoephedrine
One of the primary concerns with Tylenol Sinus is its inclusion of pseudoephedrine. This decongestant works by constricting blood vessels, which can effectively reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages. However, this mechanism can also lead to a marked decrease in milk production. Research indicates that pseudoephedrine can constrict blood vessels in the breasts, thereby reducing the blood flow necessary for milk synthesis .
Acetaminophen’s Safety Profile
On the other hand, acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. It does not adversely affect milk supply and is often recommended for pain relief and fever reduction during lactation. This means that while acetaminophen can be safely used, the presence of pseudoephedrine in Tylenol Sinus complicates its overall safety for nursing mothers.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
For breastfeeding mothers experiencing cold symptoms, it is crucial to weigh the benefits of symptom relief against the potential risk of decreased milk supply. Experts suggest that while it is important to manage cold symptoms, using medications containing pseudoephedrine should be approached with caution. If a mother chooses to take Tylenol Sinus, she may notice a reduction in her milk production, particularly with prolonged use.
In light of these considerations, nursing mothers are often advised to explore alternative treatments that do not contain decongestants. There are various safe options available that can help alleviate cold symptoms without compromising milk supply. Consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual health needs and breastfeeding goals.
Conclusion
In summary, while acetaminophen in Tylenol Sinus is safe for breastfeeding, the decongestant pseudoephedrine poses a risk of reducing milk production. Nursing mothers should carefully consider their options and consult healthcare professionals to ensure both their health and their breastfeeding journey remain on track.

What dries up breast milk fast?

Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

Does Tylenol affect baby breastfeeding?

Most over-the-counter (also called OTC) medicine, like pain relievers and cold medicine, are OK to take when you’re breastfeeding. For example, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) are safe to use when breastfeeding.

Can I take Tylenol Sinus while breastfeeding?

It’s considered safe while nursing. If you have trouble finding a cold medicine with breastfeeding-safe ingredients, you may be better off taking individual ingredients to address specific problems, as needed. For example, you may use a nasal spray for congestion and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headache relief.

Does Tylenol sinus 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.

How do I get rid of breast milk ASAP?

One of the main things a person can do to dry up breast milk is avoid nursing or pumping. The supply of breast milk increases with demand. Avoiding nursing or pumping, even if a person feels uncomfortable, tells the body to produce less milk.

Why can’t you take decongestants when breastfeeding?

Pseudoephedrine and breastfeeding
Pseudoephedrine may also reduce the amount of milk you make, so try to avoid taking it if possible. If you do need a medicine, speak to you doctor or pharmacist who will be able to advise on other options that are more suitable.

Can you take sinus medicine while breastfeeding?

It is recommended that breastfeeding women AVOID decongestant tablets, powders or drinks. Decongestant nasal sprays containing xylometazoline, oxymetazoline are effective in relieving nasal congestion but do not produce wakefulness nor reduce milk supply.

What cold medicine won’t affect my 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.

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.

Is Tylenol Cold and Head safe while breastfeeding?

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) safety
Acetaminophen is considered safe during breastfeeding. The amount transferred into breast milk is low. Acetaminophen is not harmful to babies at low concentrations.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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