If you're taking a medication that could be harmful to your baby, your health care provider might recommend an alternative . This decongestant comes in several formulations that last between 4 and 12 hours. However, this advice was misguided, particularly if you drink alcohol regularly or engage in binge drinking. All rights reserved. Safety of infant exposure to antidepressants and benzodiazepines through breastfeeding. 3 Experts Weigh In, questions or concerns about breastfeeding, health care providers, other lactation experts, and various cultural traditions recommended, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no formal studies proving whether or not these herbs impact breast milk supply. Phenol topical has an average rating of 5.1 out of 10 from a total of 42 ratings on Drugs.com. It's probably best to avoid consuming large amounts of peppermint or menthol cough drops. However, modern beer-making results in sub-therapeutic levels of barley or oats. There are many different corticosteroids with different generic and brand names. This sheet is about exposure to metronidazole in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. ( 1 ) For the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee (s), the recommended dose is 40 drops on each painful knee, 4 times a day. Pseudoephedrine commonly appears in combination products. The poor efficacy of expectorants in general would suggest that they do not provide enough justification for use in breastfeeding mothers. It is excreted into breast milk in low levels. Nevertheless, most experts consider dextromethorphan to be compatible with breast feeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 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. So, you don't need to avoid each of these herbs altogether, just be mindful of dishes that contain large amounts. This content does not have an English version. Since it is non toxic at appropriate dose and a tiny excretion into breast milk of active metabolite Menthol, a moderate consumption is believed . In fact, consuming certain plants, herbs, and medications can decrease your supply. It is extremely unlikely mometasone would be excreted in human milk in clinically relevant levels following topical or intranasal administration.There were no reported health concerns via milk.Common Trade names: Nasonex. Barth, Anders, et al. PLOS ONE. Doing your research now and putting medicines in your cabinet that you know are safe for your baby means you'll be able to grab the right remedy when you need it. However, not all herbs are created equal when it comes to promoting breast milk production. There are minimal pharmacokinetic data on this product, and no data on transfer to human milk. Breastfeeding parents have reported that their breasts feel much fuller after drinking alcohol. Benzocaine cough drops or lozenges (with or without menthol) are an excellent choice for cough relief in breastfeeding mothers. Use single ingredient medicines rather than multi-symptom formulas whenever possible. However, medications used in the two days after childbirth transfer at very low levels to your infant. Adverse effects to infants from breastfeeding are unlikely due to low relative dose and first-pass metabolism. 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. Click here for an email preview. Some, like alcohol or parsley, will slowly decrease milk supply, while others, like pseudoephedrine, will dramatically stop the production of milk within hours of the first dose. Pseudoephedrine (the active ingredient in Sudafed and similar cold medications), methergine (often used to treat severe uterine bleeding after childbirth), and bromocriptine (brand names Parlodel or Cycloset, used for a variety of health issues) have been shown to have a negative effect on milk supply. Furthermore, researchers suspect that if there is an impact one way or the other, you'd need to ingest a lot of the substance. Specifically, menthol cough drops and those which contain the numbing agent benzocaine are unlikely to pass into the breast milk. Doses used for respiratory infections do not require any interruption to breastfeeding. Reaffirmed 2014. 18, no. There doesn't appear to be risk to the infant when using menthol cough drops however. These include. MenthoReal-10 use while Breastfeeding. Sudbury, Mass. Oxymetazoline should only be used briefly, no more than 3 days, to avoid rebound congestion. There is some anecdotal evidence that diphenhydramine can suppress milk production, but this pattern is not supported by the medical literature. (L2): Antihistamine. The MommyMeds app provides up-to-date knowledge on various medications for the safe use of breastfeeding mothers. Commonly used for topical analgesics and sore throat relief. Salicylic acid or benzydamine containing products may also be used. Metronidazole is an antimicrobial that has been used to treat infections. Kimmel MC, et al. Common names: penicillins, cephalosporins, azithromycin, Short term courses of oral or injectable steroids are unlikely to affect breastfed infants. These include cetirizine (Zyrtec-L2), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert- L1), and fexofenadine (Allegra- L2). Levels in milk have not been reported, but experiments have shown that it has poor oral absorption in infants. An excellent alternative would be a nasal decongestant like oxymetazoline (Afrin-L3 discussed below). Common Trade Names: Advil, Nuprin, Motrin. Metronidazole has been used to treat some types of vaginal infections. Walsh P, Rothenberg SJ, Bang H. Safety of ibuprofen in infants younger than six months: A retrospective cohort study. Menthol has been anecdotally reported to reduce milk supply in some women. However, naproxen takes longer to be eliminated from the body than the other NSAIDs and has a greater potential to damage an infants cardiovascular system, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract in the event of an overdose. He's answered thousands of medication and pharmacy-related questions and he's ready to answer yours! Vitamin C is often advertised for cold-fighting. 92: Use of Psychiatric Medications During Pregnancy and Lactation. Short-term use (<2 weeks) of naproxen postpartum, or infrequent or occasional use should be compatible with breastfeeding. Winter brings more than a chilly breeze; it comes with pesky coughs, runny noses, sore throats, congestion, colds, or even the flu. Breastfeeding and medications - Whats safe, Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) short-term use only, Miconazole (Monistat 3, Monistat 7, others) apply minimal amount, Clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF) apply minimal amount, Penicillins, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin, Medications containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Zyrtec D) use with caution because pseudoephedrine can decrease milk supply, Progestin-only contraceptives, also known as the minipill, Combination contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin discuss this option with your provider, Docusate (Colace, Phillips' Stool Softener, others). Apr 2013;13(2):229-235. Avoid aspirin -- it can cause rashes and bleeding problems in nursing infants, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. While there have been scattered cases of respiratory depression in breastfeeding infants, it is likely safe to consume in moderate amounts (<150 mg per day) while breastfeeding. Menthol (L3): Numbing Agent. It's not clear how much of these ingredients makes it into breast milk, so ask your doctor if you're considering using cough medicine. Loratadine (Claritin) isn't as sedating as other antihistamines, so if you must take one, it is considered the preferred antihistamine for nursing mothers, according to the journal U.S. Pharmacist. (L3): Numbing Agent. Diclofenac sodium topical solution is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee (s). Menthol is a naturally-occurring chemical that comes from the peppermint plant. : Jones and Bartlett Learning; 2016. Also, it contains menthol which may inhibit your breast milk supply. Drug therapy and breastfeeding. Common trade names: Tesselon Perles, Codeine prescription required (L3): Although no longer available over the counter, drugs containing codeine are used to treat pain and cough. Approximately 0.063% of the maternal dose is transferred into breastmilk. Use caution with this medication. The safest NSAID to take while nursing is ibuprofen (sold as Advil and Motrin) because the amount transferred to your baby is very low. 6. The non-sedating antihistamines mentioned above are still better choices. Exposure to medication in breast milk poses the greatest risk to premature babies, newborns, and babies who are medically unstable or have problems with kidney function. 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). These medicines are similar to diphenhydramine, but they have fewer studies about breast milk safety. Common trade names: Galzin, Airborne, Orazinc, Zicam, Vitamin C nutritional supplement (L1). Avoid taking medications you don't necessarily need, such as herbal medications, high-dose vitamins and unusual supplements. If you're breastfeeding, you're giving your baby a healthy start. Please feel free to reach out to him directly if you have any inquiries or want to connect! Honey should never be consumed by infants. 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. The transfer of drugs and therapeutics into human breast milk: An update on selected topics. 18, no. Acetaminophen is commonly included in combination products. It is extremely unlikely mometasone would be excreted in human milk in clinically relevant levels following topical or intranasal administration.There were no reported health concerns via milk.Common Trade names: Nasonex. (L3). When breastfeeding, there is an extra person to worry about when choosing medicine. "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. These include frequent breastfeeding or pumping, using proper breastfeeding techniques, and eating certain foods, called galactagogues, that may boost breast milk production. Antihistamines may also reduce your milk production. This sheet is about using topical tretinoin in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. 5th ed. Accessed May 25, 2022. Diphenhydramine (L2): Antihistamine. Naproxen is less well studied than the other drugs in the same class. Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (menthol lozenges). Briggs GG, et al. Essential oils can be used while breastfeeding under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner. Topical corticosteroids are medications applied directly on the skin that are used in the treatment of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and other rashes. Please check each of the links below, where breastfeeding (lactation) information is available. The two most common OTC decongestants are pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed), and phenylephrine (ingredient in Sudafed PE and other brands). Thomas Hale and Kaytlin Krutsch have performed extensive research on the effects of medications in mothers milk. If you're not sure if a medication is safe while breastfeeding, pump, label and store expressed breast milk until you check with your health care provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) include all oral OTC pain relievers except Tylenol. Call 877-285-6920; TTY: 877-893-8199. What is tretinoin? There are no adequate and well controlled studies in breastfeeding women. The decision to use aspirin should be undertaken with physician guidance. Per the manufacturer of Mucinex, it should be used cautiously in those breast feeding due to the drug not being formally studied in that regard. Any amounts beyond this should be avoided. Sage, parsley, peppermint, and menthol. Codeine can cause respiratory depression when taken in high doses. Want to keep your breast milk flowing? Honey should never be consumed by infants. According to LactMed, a drug and lactation database, It is unlikely that regular doses of guaifenesin would cause harm to an infant. Cough & Cold Medications while Breastfeeding. Common trade names: Neofrin, Neosynephrine, Vicks Sinex Nasal. Is topical menthol safe while breastfeeding? http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013). Due to this potential for severe toxicity at relatively low doses, this medication should be avoided in lactation. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. For this reason, oxymetazoline is probably a better choice than oral systemic decongestants such as pseudoephedrine during breastfeeding. Very little of this medication makes it into the milk (about 0.6% of the mothers dose). Current allergy and asthma reports. There are no good studies about how much of this drug gets into breast milk. 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. A major factor to keep baby healthy is by taking care of mom. Menthol while Breastfeeding. There are many non-sedating antihistamines on the market, which are likely a better choice. Sedation is an unwanted side effect when using it as an allergy medication, but can be an advantage to help with sleep. Chasteberry, the dried fruit of the chaste tree, is native to the Mediterranean. It may either induce a sleep-like pattern in humans, or be the result of sleep; the evidence is not clear. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. Menthol topical Breastfeeding Warnings. Eating a diet with plenty of fiber, drinking lots of water and getting exercise every day can help you avoid constipation altogether. The poor efficacy of expectorants in general would suggest that they do not provide enough justification for use in breastfeeding mothers. The condom broke while I was having sex. Watch breastfed infants for drowsiness or poor feeding. 15. Make sure to avoid alcohol containing products however. This is the first OTC steroid nasal spray to be marketed in the United States. The effect of orally administered melatonin on newborns is unknown, but no adverse reactions have been reported so far. Medicines to treat gas and bloating, such as Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta, and others, are safe to take while breastfeeding. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. Commonly used for topical analgesics and sore throat relief. Although the levels are low in breastmilk, this medication can cause sedation and therefore is not ideal in breastfeeding mothers. In infants exposed to doxylamine, there are reports of sedation, apnea, and paradoxical CNS stimulation. Due to this potential for severe toxicity at relatively low doses, this medication should be avoided in lactation. According to the National Institutes of Health, chasteberry should be avoided by breastfeeding parents as it may not be safe for the parent or baby. Benzocaine cough drops or lozenges (with or without menthol) are an excellent choice for cough relief in breastfeeding mothers. (L1). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199493. Many herbs are naturally lactogenic foods that may provide you with the boost in breast milk production you're looking for. 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. Medicines for constipation fall into two categories -- stool softeners and laxatives. He has been featured in numerous publications including the Huffington Post as well as a variety of health and pharmacy-related blogs. Sedigheh Amir Ali Akbari et al. Sedation is an unwanted side effect when using it as an allergy medication, but can be an advantage to help with sleep. Available for Android and iOS devices. These medications typically transfer into milk in acceptable amounts. It's also recommended to wait at least two hours after drinking before nursing. There are many non-sedating antihistamines on the market, which are likely a better choice. Some medicines adversely affect breastfeeding, so it's important to ensure any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take won't suppress lactation. In modern pharmacies, saline is available in nasal sprays and nasal rinses, as well as mineral packets for home reconstitution. Fluticasone (L3): Nasal Steroid. Specifically, menthol cough drops and those which contain the numbing agent benzocaine are unlikely to pass into the breast milk. This decongestant comes in several formulations that last between 4 and 12 hours. Many herbs are naturally lactogenic foods that may provide you with the boost in breast milk production you're looking for. . Adverse effects to infants from breastfeeding are unlikely due to low relative dose and first-pass metabolism. 4. That said, some anecdotal evidence indicates that these herbs can decrease milk supply. As a result, every medication must be considered separately. Last updated on Feb 24, 2022. It is [] With limited oral and systemic bioavailability, it is not likely that milk levels will be clinically relevant, even with rather high doses. The heavier duty medicines that actually block acid production, called H2 blockers, contain ingredients that can be concentrated in your breast milk, so don't take them without checking with your doctor. In modern pharmacies, saline is available in nasal sprays and nasal rinses, as well as mineral packets for home reconstitution. If you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding or your breast milk production, consult with your doctor or a certified lactation consultant. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Common Trade names: Flonase. Animal studies are not available. In fact, in some traditions, it is used to boost breast milk supply. 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. 5. Zinc salts for cold treatment can have possible negative effects on breastfeeding infants during the first weeks of life. 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. Commonly used for topical analgesics and sore throat relief. It relieves pain when applied to the skin. Toxicology Data Network. There are no good studies about how much of this drug gets into breast milk. Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals (2019): United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Hello, I used topical cream hydroquinone on a couple dark spots. Accessed June 26, 2018. 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. It does not suppress coughing. Hale's Medications & Mothers' Milk, 2021: A Manual of Lactational Pharmacology. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Or they might recommend breastfeeding when the medication is at a low level in your breast milk. Then, you can read about specific drugs below! Don't use extra-strength or sustained-release medicines -- they remain in your bloodstream and milk supply much longer than medicine you need to take frequently. Common trade names: Halls, Ricola, Ludens, Vicks, (L2): This is an expectorant used to loosen respiratory tract secretions. For instance, sage is a popular herb used around Thanksgiving, lots of parsley is found in dishes like tabbouleh, and peppermint is often found in teas, gums, and candies. It is the safest of the antitussives and unlikely to transfer into milk. If a medicine is commonly prescribed for infants, it's probably safe to take while nursing, because the amount the baby will get through breast milk is much less than a typical dose. Most lozenges with menthol are safe . Pseudoephedrine is an adrenergic compound used as a nasal decongestant. Still, a few medications aren't safe to take while breastfeeding. But here are some general guidelines: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is given to babies for fever and pain relief, so is considered safe for nursing moms. Cough Medications Considered Safe While Breastfeeding. Antibiotics prescription only (typically L1-L2): In general, it is safe to breastfeed while on a short course (<14 days of antibiotics). Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, Boric Acid for Recurrent Vaginal Infections, Our Statement on Monkeypox: Infection, Vaccines, and Treatment for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women, Vitamin D Supplementation and Breastfeeding, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Winter brings more than a chilly breeze; it comes with pesky coughs, runny noses, sore throats, congestion, colds, or even the flu. Milk transfer is expected to be low-moderate based on the medication size. Although its efficacy in treating colds has not been supported, it likely is not harmful to supplement while breastfeeding. Even high levels of maternal consumption resulted in only slightly increased levels in breastmilk. The chart below will help you break it down. -Oral ingestion of menthol resulted in detectable levels in human milk; there are no data on the excretion of topical menthol into human milk. In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses what cough medications are safe to use while breastfeeding. Pregnancy Know how medications can affect your breast milk and which drugs are safe to take. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. It has been used even for pain relief during pregnancy and colicky pain in fussy babies (without proved data on this). 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. The non-sedating antihistamines mentioned above are still better choices. He graduated from the University At Buffalo with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2010. Pseudoephedrine is an adrenergic compound used as a nasal decongestant. Also ask about the timing. Common trade name: Unisom. Hale, Thomas Wright. This article uses Dr. Hales Lactation Risk Categories. Menthol (L3): Numbing Agent. Common trade names: Benadryl, Tylenol PM. Topical antifungal cream and pessaries containing clotrimazole, miconazole and nystatin are safe to use while breastfeeding. . 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. Common trade names: DM, Benylin, Delsym, Robitussin DM. Yeast infections are common in nursing moms. Always consult your physician. is an herb that has been shown to have significant antitussive effects when taken as an oral supplement.6 Although it is likely safe to take while breastfeeding, there have been no significant studies showing the effects of Echinacea consumption on breastfeeding infants or milk production. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. Triamcinolone may be used for longer periods of time without causing rebound congestion. Common Trade names: Sinus Rinse, Simply Saline, Ocean. Further studies need to be considered in adults, however. Many cough syrups that contain dextromethorphan contain alcohol and those specific ones should be avoided. On top of the ingredients, the smell is quite . Benzocaine topical has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 37 ratings on Drugs.com. However, menthol is derived from peppermint oil, which may reduce milk supply in some women. But there are so many optionswhat is in them, and what is compatible with breastfeeding? There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Common trade names: Benadryl, Tylenol PM. : Significant and documented risk to the infant. Total daily zinc consumption can become easily excessive with these products. Common trade names: Benadryl, Tylenol PM. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. ; Effects of menthol essence and breast milk on the improvement of nipple . Due to its low oral absorption after application, maternal blood concentrations are probably too low to produce any significant clinical effects in the breastfed infant. Try our 1-page flyer. See our discussion on caffeine for more information. The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use during lactation.Excreted into human milk: YesComments:-Oral ingestion of menthol resulted in detectable levels in human milk; there are no data on the excretion of topical menthol into human milk. The heavier duty medicines that actually block acid production, called H2 blockers, contain ingredients that can be concentrated in your breast milk, so don't take them without checking with your doctor. It is excreted into breast milk in low levels. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in breastfeeding women. There is some anecdotal evidence that diphenhydramine can suppress milk production, but this pattern is not supported by the medical literature. What cough medicine would be ok for my breast feeding wife to use? Also, the benefit of continuing a medication for a chronic condition may outweigh any potential risks. A very low amount of menthol is transferred into breastmilk. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help keep chest and nasal secretions thin, too. Breastfeeding , For this reason, these herbs are often used for weaning. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is often used in cough, cold, sinus, and allergy formulations. Like dextromethorphan, there is a lack of data available regarding use in breast feeding woman. Triamcinolone may be used for longer periods of time without causing rebound congestion. . Some cough medicines also contain alcohol, which you may want to avoid while breastfeeding.