PARENTS
Which Cold Medicines Are Safe for Breastfeeding?
These are the safest ways to treat your sniffles and cough while breastfeeding.
Written by
Happiest Baby Staff
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PARENTS
Written by
Happiest Baby Staff
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The stress of cold and flu season is nothing to sneeze at…especially if you’re breastfeeding! Not only is it tough to nurse while you’re under the weather, but it can also be tricky to figure out the best way to treat your symptoms without impacting your breastmilk or your baby. Need help figuring out what cold medicine to take while breastfeeding? Keep reading to find out which cold medicines are safe for breastfeeding.
Yes. Cold and flu viruses cannot be transferred to your baby through your breastmilk. And breastfeeding will pass antibodies onto your little one that’ll work to protect them from catching their own sickies. To help yourself recover quickly and to help shield your baby from germs…
If you’re too sick to breastfeed, you can pump your breastmilk and have someone who’s not ill feed it to your baby. (If your little one has a cold, too, learn how to treat them naturally and which meds are safe.)
While it’s true that almost all oral medications can transfer into breastmilk, most do so at such low levels that there’s no real risk to babies. In fact, experts say it's usually safe to use over-the-counter cold meds while breastfeeding. But majority does not mean all! So, if you’re asking yourself, “What cold medicine can I take while breastfeeding?,” it’s always smart to discuss your options with your OB/GYN, pediatrician, or general practitioner before you hit up the drugstore.
The following OTC cold medications are generally thought of as safe for you and your baby. But again, reach out to your provider before taking any medication when nursing.
Only a miniscule amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (such as ibuprofen or diclofenac) or paracetamol transfers to breastmilk, making these meds first-choice options for fever and headache while breastfeeding.
There are several OTC nasal sprays and tablets for treating a stuffy nose that are safe to use while nursing. The below nasal sprays contain oxymetazoline, triamcinolone, and/or fluticasone. It’s believed that very little medicine in these decongestants can reach your little one through breastmilk. Experts often recommend these meds over oral decongestants, like Sudafed, when breastfeeding. But know that using nasal spray for seven to 10 days or more can result in rebound congestion.
Medicines containing either dextromethorphan or guaifenesin (an “expectorant” that thins mucus) can help quell a cough, and they’re unlikely to impact your breastmilk supply. (Learn ways to improve your breastmilk supply.) While dextromethorphan-containing meds may cause drowsiness or poor feeding in babies, there are no other substantial infant side effects to note. Experts agree that cough drops/lozenges and sore throat sprays, such as Chloraseptic are safe to use while breastfeeding, as well.
While most OTC cold meds are safe to take while breastfeeding, some may interfere with breastmilk supply or are otherwise not recommended. OTC cold medications containing the decongestants pseudoephedrine may hinder your breastmilk supply. And since phenylephrine works in a similar way, it may lower breastmilk production, too. It’s always best to check in with your doctor first.
On the pain-reliever front, it may be a good idea to avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing meds, and naproxen as well. Aspirin is linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition associated with swelling of the brain and liver in young children. Aspirin can also thin the blood and cause bleeding. (Aspirin can be listed as salicylate, salicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, or acetylsalicylate.) Naproxen has a long half-life—and breastfed babies have experienced adverse reactions.
To help ensure that you feel better quickly without accidentally harming your baby, follow these cold-symptom relief tips while breastfeeding:
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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
