Most mothers know that using medicine while breastfeeding isn’t very safe, but what happens when you have a cold while breastfeeding? Surely you will treat the cold, but what drugs are safe to use in treating cold while breastfeeding?
Contact your doctor for advice on the drugs you can use in treating cold while breastfeeding, meanwhile here are some cold medicines and the ones that are safe for breastfeeding moms;
Different Types Of Cold Medicines:
There are various medicines available for treating cold, depending on your symptoms. Viral infections are usually the cause of cold. We have analgesics, antipyretics, antihistamines, cough suppressants, expectorants for treating cold. A combination of one of two drugs can also be used to treat cold.
Not all medicines to treat cold are safe for use while you are nursing. If you contract a cold or allergy, ask your doctor for some medicine recommendations. Not using medicine during breastfeeding is a good practice, as most drugs you use may be passed on to the baby through breastfeeding.
Medicines Safe For Use During Breastfeeding;
1. Analgesics
Analgesics are painkillers. There are three types of analgesics; simple non-opioid analgesics, compound analgesics and opioid analgesics.
- Simple Non-Opioid Analgesics:
Simple Non-Opioid analgesics are effective for mild pain. Some examples include Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Paracetamol.While it is safe to use Paracetamol and Ibuprofen during breastfeeding since only a small amount of these drugs passes into the breast milk, if your baby has a genetic condition or if he was born prematurely Ibuprofen can be harmful to him. So, consult your doctor before you use Paracetamol and Ibuprofen while nursing. Do not use aspirin while breastfeeding.
- Compound Analgesics:
Compound analgesics are combined drugs. For instance, when aspirin, paracetamol, and codeine are combined and made into just one pill. Examples are Co-codamol (Codeine and Paracetamol) and Co-codaprin (Aspirin and Codeine). Avoid these drugs while breastfeeding unless they are prescribed by your doctor.
- Opioid Analgesics:
Totally avoid opioid analgesics while breastfeeding as they have many side effects such as constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness.
2. Other Medicines:
Antipyretics reduce fever. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Paracetamol are also antipyretics.
- Avoid Acetaminophen while breastfeeding, as it secretes into the breast milk and if you have to use it, talk to your doctor first.
- Antihistamines help treat allergy symptoms. It is safe to use come antihistamines such as Cetirizine and Loratadine while breastfeeding. But before using Fexofenadine, it is safe to ask your doctor for a recommendation, to reduce your allergies.Whatever antihistamines you use while breastfeeding, limit the use.
- Decongestants help unblock swollen nasal passage and make breathing easier. They are safe for use during breastfeeding.
- Avoid use of medicines with pseudoephedrine while breastfeeding, medicines with ingredients like Dextromethorphan, Pholcodine and Dihydrocodeine are safe for use during breastfeeding. Also, Guaifenesin and Bromhexine are considered safe for use during breastfeeding.
Precautions To Take Before Using Drug While Breastfeeding
Here are some steps you can follow to minimize your kid’s exposure to drugs through your breast milk.
- Don’t take medicines if the infection reduces by itself,
- As you can see above, there are safe drugs to use while breastfeeding, so there’s no need refraining from treatment.
- After feeding your baby, take any medicine and express some milk for his next feed. If your baby starts acting up after you use the drug, contact your doctor.
- Drink more water when you have a cold, and rest well.
Mamalette! Did you have a cold while breastfeeding? How did you treat it?
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