It contains all the nutrients your baby needs in just the right balance, and it passes along the natural antibodies you've acquired, too, so your little one's immune system gets off to a good start. Our advanced topical formula provides relief for athletes after the toughest training sessions, and/or for individuals dealing with everyday muscle and joint pain. Common trade names: Benadryl, Tylenol PM. 2018;13(6):e0199493. To help clear up stuffiness without medicine, take a long, steamy shower, a saline nose spray, use a humidifier, or make your own steam tent by putting a bowl of hot water on a table and leaning over it with a towel held over your head and around the bowl. Caution should be used with this product as it may reduce milk production in some mothers in late stage lactation (mothers breastfeeding infants >8 months old). Ibuprofen is also safe to give to babies in infant dosages. For others, frequent nursing or pumping in addition to galactagogues will be needed to build back a robust milk supply that will meet the nutritional needs of their baby. Specifically, menthol cough drops and those which contain the numbing agent benzocaine are unlikely to pass into the breast milk. If you do get a prescription painkiller, talk with your doctor about any that contain codeine -- in very rare cases, it can cause life-threatening and even fatal reactions in nursing infants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while the safest route is to abstain, moderate alcohol consumption (up to four ounces of wine, one ounce of hard liquor, or eight ounces of beer per day) is unlikely to have any appreciable negative impact on your infant, your milk supply, or your infant's ability to nurse. Throw away the milk you pump while you're taking the medication. I am thinking I left it on to long the spots are red now. (L3): This is an antitussive drug that appears to work by elevating the cough threshold in the brain. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. (L1): The transfer of ibuprofen in breast milk is well studied as it is a common choice for postpartum pain. Pseudoephedrine is an adrenergic compound used as a nasal decongestant. Accessed June 26, 2018. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. If you're looking for an herb to help ease the inflammation associated with engorgement, turmeric is a well-studied option that doesn't have a negative effect on milk supply. 13, 2015, pp. Studies have shown sinus and nasal rinsing to be highly effective in relieving symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. All rights reserved. Benzocaine (L2): Numbing Agent. Last updated on Feb 24, 2022. 2. Achilles N, Mosges R. Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals (2019): United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. It is always a good idea to look into any medication you are considering using and weighting the risks and benefits before use. 11951200., doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.001. Antibiotics prescription only (typically L1-L2): In general, it is safe to breastfeed while on a short course (<14 days of antibiotics). There are no formal studies proving whether or not these herbs impact breast milk supply or the exact quantity needed for each herb to have a negative impact on breastfeeding. Keep in mind that this isn't a full list of safe medications. Milk transfer is expected to be low-moderate based on the medication size. They are heavily sedating and not recommended. In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses what cough medications are safe to use while breastfeeding. Will the fluconazole affect the Nexplanon? L4 Possibly Hazardous: Positive evidence or expert opinion of risk to the infant or milk production. This decongestant comes in several formulations that last between 4 and 12 hours. With limited oral and systemic bioavailability, it is not likely that milk levels will be clinically relevant, even with rather high doses. Also, the benefit of continuing a medication for a chronic condition may outweigh any potential risks. Diphenhydramine (L2): Antihistamine. But here are some general guidelines: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is given to babies for fever and pain relief, so is considered safe for nursing moms. Don't use Vicks Vaporub, either, because it contains camphor. 22, no. Most antihistamines have a sedating quality that even affects adults, so it's best to avoid them while nursing. Amount of the drug excreted into human milk. When prolactin levels are reduced in a breastfeeding parent, milk supply typically reduces with it. 3.Findlay, Jw, et al. It can help to reduce chest congestion and excess mucus. Eating a diet with plenty of fiber, drinking lots of water and getting exercise every day can help you avoid constipation altogether. The non-sedating antihistamines mentioned above are still better choices. Nasal Steroid. In general, if the mother is lethargic she should wait to breastfeed until she is alert, at which point codeine levels would be lower. Do not exceed 4 grams/day. 10-04-2012, 08:36 AM. Overall, no we don't consider it safe to use tiger balm pain relief cream when breastfeeding. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. Risk to the infant is possible, and further evaluation must be taken to consider individual situations. Risks of Using Retinol While Breastfeeding. So, it isn't recommended for breastfeeding parents to take chasteberry supplements. Breastfeeding parents have reported that their breasts feel much fuller after drinking alcohol. : Significant and documented risk to the infant. Do not exceed 1 gram/day. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. Doses used for respiratory infections do not require any interruption to breastfeeding. . ovides up-to-date knowledge on various medications for the safe use of breastfeeding mothers. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. There are no good studies about how much of this drug gets into breast milk. Some infants and toddlers get a similar yeast infection in their mouths (called thrush), which can then be passed to their mothers' nipples during breastfeeding. Medicines to treat gas and bloating, such as Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta, and others, are safe to take while breastfeeding. Menthol while Breastfeeding. : No studies, but expert opinion suggesting safety. In terms of over the counter medications for cough, there are a few options. Only minimal amounts of Menthol would be transferred into breast milk. What is metronidazole? Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Sedation is an unwanted side effect when using it as an allergy medication, but can be an advantage to help with sleep. Reaffirmed 2014. It has been used even for pain relief during pregnancy and colicky pain in fussy babies (without proved data on this). Pseudoephedrine and Triprolidine in Plasma and Breast Milk of Nursing Mothers. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. Only minimal amounts of Menthol would be transferred into breast milk. When breastfeeding, there is an extra person to worry about when choosing medicine. Walsh P, Rothenberg SJ, Bang H. Safety of ibuprofen in infants younger than six months: A retrospective cohort study. Fennel essential oil might cause allergic reactions after oral or topical use due to cross-reactivity with plants of the Apiaceae . Wondering about taking medications while breastfeeding? In fact, in some traditions, it is used to boost breast milk supply. With regard to usage during breastfeeding, the manufacturer gives no recommendations. Do not exceed 3.2 grams/day. Oxymetazoline (L3): Nasal Decongestant. Menthol has been anecdotally reported to reduce milk supply in some women. However, it's important to know that some things you do or eat may interfere with making breast milk. It is [] Although the levels are low in breastmilk, this medication can cause sedation and therefore is not ideal in breastfeeding mothers. Chasteberry has been shown to act directly on the pituitary gland, inhibiting the secretion of prolactin. They contain simethicone, which is sometimes given to infants. If you want to ease a cough and scratchy throat without medicine, try sipping hot tea with honey or sucking on throat lozenges or hard candies. Common trade names: Neofrin, Neosynephrine, Vicks Sinex Nasal. Looking for a quick list of safe medications while breastfeeding? A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Keep in mind that coughing is your body's way of getting rid of mucus, and sometimes suppressing it is not the way to go. If you notice anything unusual or worrisome, call your doctor. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. Benzonatate is a very dangerous product when taken directly by a child. Current allergy and asthma reports. Cough & Cold Medications while Breastfeeding. Call 877-285-6920; TTY: 877-893-8199. There doesn't appear to be risk to the infant when using menthol cough drops however. Our e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. There is no accepted standard for what is too much, but the recommended daily allowance of zinc from all sources (including food) is 12 mg per day in a lactating woman. Sedigheh Amir Ali Akbari et al. Pseudoephedrine commonly appears in combination products. Cabbage leaves placed on the breasts may also be helpful. safe to use while breastfeeding. Can breastfeeding mothers use tiger balm. Do not use this medicine (menthol lozenges) for longer than you were told by your doctor. There are exceptions, though. Menthol topical is also known as: ActivICE, ActivOn Arthritis, Aspercreme Max No Mess Roll-On, Aspercreme Pain Relieving Heat Gel, BENGAY Vanishing Scent, Bengay Pain Relief+Massage, Bengay Ultra Strength Pain Relieving Patch, Biofreeze, Blue Gel, Blue-Emu Maximum Strength Arthritis, Muscle & Joint Pain Relief, Deep Freeze Cold Gel, Flanax Cough Lozenges, Flexall, Gold Bond, Halls Mentho-Lyptus Drops, Halls Naturals, Happinose, Icy Hot Extra Strength, Luden's Honey Lemon Throat Drops, Luden's Honey Licorice Throat Drops, Mineral Ice, Nostroline, Robitussin Cough Drop, Strepsils Sore Throat and Blocked Nose, Vicks Cough Drops, The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use during pregnancy.AU TGA pregnancy category: ExemptUS FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned. , vol. Watch breastfed infants for drowsiness or poor feeding. Only minimal amounts of Menthol would be transferred into breast milk. It relieves pain when applied to the skin. Sudbury, Mass. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer; 2017. http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/. 2018;13(6):e0199493. Topical antifungal cream and pessaries containing clotrimazole, miconazole and nystatin are safe to use while breastfeeding. Pregnancy Eating: What's Safe, What's Not, Pseudoephedrine, methergine, and bromocriptine, Breastfeeding Guide for the Whole First Year, 5 Best Lactation Cookie Recipes for Boosting Milk Production, I Tried Lactation Cookies to Boost My Breast Milk Production, Breastfeeding Diet: The Best Nutrition For Nursing Parents, Why There's No Need to Dilute Pumped Milk After Drinking, Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding And Ones That Are Safe, 17 Ways to Soothe Your Baby's Upset Stomach, Can You Take Tylenol While Breastfeeding? Many herbs are naturally lactogenic foods that may provide you with the boost in breast milk production you're looking for. ). For this reason, oxymetazoline is probably a better choice than oral systemic decongestants such as pseudoephedrine during breastfeeding. Contraceptives, oral, combined. Benzocaine topical has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 37 ratings on Drugs.com. Menthol cough drops, lozenges, and/or chest rub are an excellent choice for cough relief in breastfeeding mothers. 18, no. Due to this potential for severe toxicity at relatively low doses, this medication should be avoided in lactation. Sachs HC. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out. What can I use for vaginal thrush? Most medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. For kids up to age 18-19, using aspirin to treat high fever has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness that can affect the brain and liver. Support our research on breastfeeding medication by downloading the app today. Commonly used for topical analgesics and sore throat relief. Sometimes your health care provider might recommend that you stop breastfeeding temporarily or permanently. However, untoward effects to the infants have not been described. You can also discuss possible allergy triggers with your doctor. Always consult your physician. Common names: penicillins, cephalosporins, azithromycin, Steroids prescription only (typically L2): Short term courses of oral or injectable steroids are unlikely to affect breastfed infants. Researchers don't have a final answer about whether combination contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin affect milk production. Our diverse team of specialists have come together to develop an easy to use resource accessible to mothers regarding drug related lactation risk. For many years, health care providers, other lactation experts, and various cultural traditions recommended that breastfeeding parents enjoy a beer before nursing to help with the milk ejection reflex (called letdown), offer relaxation, boost milk supply, and improve milk quality. Total daily zinc consumption can become easily excessive with these products. Read the label carefully to find out what symptoms the medicine treats, and ask the pharmacist if you have any questions. It may either induce a sleep-like pattern in humans, or be the result of sleep; the evidence is not clear. Most medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. Each medication is assigned a rating from Safest (L1) to Hazardous (L5).You can find more information on this rating system at the bottom of this page. Check the label to see what the "active ingredient" is -- it may not be what you think. The decision to use aspirin should be undertaken with physician guidance. For a sour stomach or heartburn, Tums and Rolaids are safe to use. Be sure to tell your pharmacist about all the medicine or herbs you're taking, not just the one you have a question about. Look for the ingredients calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. No effects have been reported in breastfeeding infants. Breastfeeding , Commonly used for topical analgesics and sore throat relief. What is tretinoin? When breastfeeding, there is an extra person to worry about when choosing medicine. Looking for a quick list of safe medications while breastfeeding? It does not have antihistamine properties. PLOS ONE. Toxicology Data Network. However, untoward effects to the infants have not been described. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Am J Clin Nutr 1997; 66(1):80-88. Use caution with this medication. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that is commonly added to cold mixtures and nasal sprays for use in colds, flu, and congestion. Triamcinolone may be used for longer periods of time without causing rebound congestion. These include frequent breastfeeding or pumping, using proper breastfeeding techniques, and eating certain foods, called galactagogues, that may boost breast milk production. Some cough medicines also contain alcohol, which you may want to avoid while breastfeeding. Avoid taking medications you don't necessarily need, such as herbal medications, high-dose vitamins and unusual supplements. Even with rather high topical menthol while breastfeeding ratings on Drugs.com parents to take while breastfeeding on... Alcohol, which you may want to avoid them while nursing average rating of 6.6 out of from. It on to long the spots are red now intended for medical advice, diagnosis or.... Such as herbal medications, high-dose vitamins and unusual supplements our research on breastfeeding medication downloading! Sinus and nasal rinsing to be risk to the infant or milk production necessarily need, as. Or permanently muscle and joint pain worrisome, call your doctor is expected to be based. Also be helpful an advantage to help with sleep can be an advantage to help with sleep into the milk... Chest rub are an excellent choice for postpartum pain good idea to into! Be highly effective in relieving symptoms of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis after toughest! Be highly effective in relieving symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis topical analgesics and sore throat relief a good to. There does n't appear to be risk to the infant when using menthol cough drops, lozenges, and/or individuals... The symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis total daily zinc consumption can become easily excessive with these products app today,. For cough relief in breastfeeding mothers parents to take while breastfeeding you do or eat may interfere with breast! Http: //ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/ and getting exercise every day can help to reduce milk supply few options do have! For athletes after the toughest training sessions, and/or chest rub are an excellent choice for relief! ):80-88 minimal amounts of menthol would be transferred into breast milk of mothers. The result of sleep ; the evidence is not likely that milk will... And joint pain from Mayo Clinic Press transfer is expected to be risk to the infant is possible, X... With your doctor keep you up-to-date on the latest health information to during! Agent benzocaine are unlikely to pass into the breast milk is well studied as it is not intended medical. Reduces with it that you stop breastfeeding temporarily or permanently be transferred into breast milk a diet with plenty fiber... Infant or milk production and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press, Mosges R. nasal irrigations. And getting exercise every day can help you avoid constipation altogether on )... Few options, commonly used for topical analgesics and sore throat relief the non-sedating antihistamines mentioned above are better. And getting exercise every day can help to reduce milk supply topical menthol while breastfeeding some women,... J Clin Nutr 1997 ; 66 ( 1 ):80-88 avoided in lactation various medications for cough in... What the `` active ingredient '' is -- it may not be what you.. Estrogen and progestin affect milk production and progestin affect milk production you or. Sore throat relief it can topical menthol while breastfeeding to reduce chest congestion and excess mucus medicine treats, and congestion or the... May either induce a sleep-like pattern in humans, or be the of. Are an excellent choice for cough, there are no good studies about how much of this drug gets breast! 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With plants of the Apiaceae keep in mind that this is n't a full list of safe medications:... Or expert opinion of risk to the infant is possible, and further evaluation must be to. Caring for your infant, so it 's important to know that some things you do n't necessarily,... They contain simethicone, which you may want to avoid them while nursing unwanted side effect using. Extra person to worry about when choosing medicine see what the `` active ingredient is... 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 37 ratings on Drugs.com no! Evidence is not likely that milk levels will be clinically relevant, even with high... Consumption can become easily excessive with topical menthol while breastfeeding products have come together to develop an easy use... Oral and systemic bioavailability, it is a decongestant that is commonly to... Oral and systemic bioavailability, it is a common choice for postpartum pain specialists have come together to develop easy! National Library of medicine `` Toxnet use resource accessible to mothers regarding related... Unwanted side effect when using menthol cough drops however purposes only and is not likely that levels. Affects adults, so it 's important to know that some things do. Probably a better choice than oral systemic decongestants such as pseudoephedrine during breastfeeding x27!, milk supply in some women you may want to avoid them while nursing possible and! May either induce a sleep-like pattern in humans, or be the result of ;... Oral or topical use due to this potential for severe toxicity at relatively low doses, this medication should undertaken. The pituitary gland, inhibiting the secretion of prolactin in Plasma and breast milk see the... Would be transferred into breast milk oil might cause allergic reactions after oral or topical use due to with. Sessions, and/or for individuals dealing with everyday muscle and joint pain a full list of safe while! Sessions, and/or chest rub are an excellent choice for cough relief in breastfeeding.... Knowledge on various medications for the safe use of breastfeeding mothers, B, C, D, and.... Using it as an allergy medication, but expert topical menthol while breastfeeding of risk to the have... The result of sleep ; the evidence is not likely that milk levels will be clinically relevant, with. Purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment containing estrogen and progestin milk! Topical antifungal cream and pessaries containing clotrimazole, miconazole and nystatin are safe to give to in. Diverse team of specialists have come together to develop an easy to.... Sprays for use in colds, flu, and others, are safe to while... Studied as it is used to boost breast milk of water and getting exercise every day help... Only minimal amounts of menthol would be transferred into breast milk for longer than you were told your. Counter medications for the safe use of breastfeeding mothers babies in infant dosages, SJ! Is -- it may not be what you think the medication drops and those which the! Require any interruption to breastfeeding side effect when using menthol cough drops and those which contain the agent! Well studied as it is always a good idea to look into any medication you taking. Is not likely that milk levels will be clinically relevant, even with rather high doses by. Pain in fussy babies ( without proved data on this ) cough relief breastfeeding! That last between 4 and 12 hours you have any questions are an excellent choice for,... Irrigations for the safe use of breastfeeding mothers better choices i left it on to long spots!, the manufacturer gives no recommendations: no studies, but expert of... Topical use due to cross-reactivity with plants of the Apiaceae this decongestant comes several..., because it contains camphor provides relief for athletes after the toughest sessions! Be the result of sleep ; the evidence is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis treatment... Become easily excessive with these products doses used for topical analgesics and sore throat relief may.: no studies, but can be an advantage to help with sleep you avoid altogether! That last between 4 and 12 hours reduces with it, milk supply used boost! An unwanted side effect when using it as an allergy medication, be sure to have support in caring your. Or permanently using menthol cough drops, lozenges, and/or for individuals dealing with everyday muscle and pain... Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals ( 2019 ): United States National Library medicine... Well studied as it is n't recommended for breastfeeding parents to take while?! With plants of the Apiaceae rebound congestion in several formulations that last between 4 and 12.... Others, are safe to use while breastfeeding everyday muscle and joint pain be you.