Updated April 2024
If you are a breastfeeding mama, you’ve probably wondered about medication safety at some point in your journey. Whether you’ve had a nasty cold, a scratchy sore throat, or the dreadful UTI (or other infection down there), nearly every breastfeeding mother will find herself in need of over the counter and/or prescription medication at some point.
Is it safe to take medication while breastfeeding?
As any new mom is well aware, taking medications during pregnancy can be pretty restrictive. Infant exposure to medications in-utero, in many cases, can have adverse effects that make taking certain medications during pregnancy unsafe for baby.
Is the same true for breastfed babies?
Truthfully, it depends on the type and amount of medication being consumed. Here’s the good news: Generally speaking, the rules for taking medications while breastfeeding are significantly less restrictive than they are during pregnancy.
Cue the applause from breastfeeding mothers everywhere!
In this article, I’ll dive into the particulars of the primary types of medications a breastfeeding mother may need. I’ll also recommend some reputable sources to provide assistance when you are taking medications while breastfeeding.
Common Medicines Taken While Breastfeeding
You may already be familiar with most of the common medications women take while breastfeeding. Nasal decongestants, cough and cold remedies, and OTC pain relievers are frequent flyers. The following over the counter medications are all considered SAFE to take while breastfeeding…no “pumping and dumping” required!
Cough and Cold Remedies
What medications can be safely taken by breastfeeding mothers as a cough suppressant or cold medication? Here are a few great options!-
Nasal Saline Irrigation: If you are dealing with nasal congestion, one breastfeeding friendly treatment is a saline rinse. Considered the safest option for relieving nasal congestion for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, nasal saline irrigation will have no serious side effects for you or your baby.
*Important Note: Be sure to use distilled or sterilized water NOT tap water. The use of tap water for nasal irrigation can potentially lead to a life-threatening infection.
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Intranasal Steroid Sprays: Nasal steroid spray (fluticasone, mometasone, triamcinolone) is considered safe to use while breastfeeding. "Flonase" is one of the leading brands.
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Vitamin C: If you prefer an herbal remedy, Vitamin C is a safe and effective way to boost the immune system and fight off common colds. Whether you’re taking herbal supplements (ex: Emergen-C) or pounding oranges, you really can’t go wrong with Vitamin C.
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Dextromethorphan: If you’re looking for cough relief, Dextromethorphan is considered one of the safest options available. Research studies did not show any evidence that this drug transfers to breast milk. Common names include: Delysym and Robitussin DM.
*Note: watch your baby for drowsiness or lethargic eating.
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Throat Lozenges: Many find throat lozenges (including cough drops) soothing for scratchy or achy throats. When choosing a product, I recommend sticking with pectin based lozenges because they coat the throat without being systemically absorbed.
Looking for more?
In this episode of my podcast, The Tired Mom’s Club, Melissa from @pharmomacist and I chat all about breastfeeding/pumping safe medications for colds and allergies! Take a listen here!
Allergies
Allergies are a chronic struggle for many mothers. If you find yourself with those seasonal symptoms (itchy eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat) and you need some relief, there are a few options at your disposal. Check out this podcast episode to learn more about new protocols and allergy maintenance for breastfeeding moms.
Pain Relievers
What options does a breastfeeding mother have when it comes to over the counter pain relief? Luckily, you have some choices!
- Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is the most commonly offered medication for postpartum pain relief. It is considered safe to take while breastfeeding – no “pumping and dumping” necessary. Do not exceed 3.2 grams/day. Alternative names include: Motrin, Advil, and Nuprin.
- Acetaminophen: Also known as Tylenol, this drug is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and babies. Very little medication is secreted into breast milk.
What about antibiotics while breastfeeding?
Great question! Most of the commonly prescribed antibiotics (ex: Penicillin, Amoxicillin and Augmentin) are considered breastfeeding-safe when used for the short-term. While exposure to these prescription medications isn’t likely to cause any serious issues, babies with sensitive tummies may experience some GI discomfort. Your baby may develop diarrhea throughout the course of your antibiotics, lasting even up to a week or so after finishing the medication. If so, you might try eating fermented foods like yogurt or kefir, or asking your pediatrician for a probiotic recommendation.
Still have questions?
Let’s be honest… Having to pump and dump your breast milk for any length of time is frustrating to say the least, and, more times than not, it’s probably not necessary.
But how do we know who to trust when given direction to discard our milk?
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to be given incorrect information from your very own healthcare provider. Your baby’s pediatrician likely hasn’t studied the in’s and out’s of every adult medication for mom and the impact it could potentially have on baby. Even if you trust their recommendation, it doesn’t ever hurt to get a second or third opinion. Luckily, there are resources that are easily accessible for us to do our own homework!⠀
Here are a few of my all-time favorite resources for reliable information about medications you can (and can’t) take while breastfeeding.
The InfantRisk Center (IRC)
The InfantRisk Center is a world-wide call center presently in the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. This reputable organization publishes research-backed drug studies with information about the transfer of certain drugs to human breast milk and possible side effects for breastfed infants.
MommyMeds App
MommyMeds app offers detailed information and guidance for breastfeeding moms. Through this user-friendly app, you’ll be able to search for specific medications, supplements, and vitamins and read the available data regarding the safety of using these drugs while breastfeeding your baby.
The LactMed® database
The LactMed database contains information on drugs and other chemicals to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed. This free online database was developed by the US National Library of Medicine.
When it comes to medications and our babies, we really can’t be too safe. Finding solid, data-backed information from reputable sources and keeping any medications you do decide to take locked in a baby-proof medication box are two great ways to ensure that you are able to take care of your little one while also addressing your own health needs.
References:
https://infantrisk.com/content/cough-cold-medications-while-breastfeeding#antibiotics_steroids
https://infantrisk.com/content/cough-cold-medications-while-breastfeeding#antibiotics_steroids
