Can you take decongestants while nursing

It is provided as a guideline. No responsibility can be taken by the author or the Breastfeeding Network for the way in which the information is used. Clinical decisions remain the responsibility of medical and breastfeeding practitioners. The data presented here is intended to provide some immediate information but cannot replace input from professionals. Many people take decongestant tablets, powders and lemon drinks when they have a cold or sinus pain.

Although they are unlikely to affect a breastfeeding baby they have a potential significant impact on milk supply and should be avoided during breastfeeding. Inhaling steam is a cheap and effective means of reducing congestion and should be used frequently before resorting to drugs.

Decongestant sprays are as effective and have no effect on supply as they only work locally in the nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine is secreted into breastmilk in low levels. In one study Findlay the calculated dose that would be absorbed by the infant was very low 0. Search this site Search all sites Search. Go to whole of WA Government Search. Open search bar Open navigation Submit search. Healthy living. Facebook Youtube Twitter. Home Healthy living Medications and breastfeeding.

Medications and breastfeeding Many breastfeeding mums need to be treated with medicines, either for a few days to treat an acute illness or on an ongoing basis to treat a chronic illness.

To some degree, medications transfer into breastmilk although the amount is generally quite low. Most medicines are considered safe to take while breastfeeding. Tips to reduce the transfer of medications into breastmilk Avoid using medicines unless they are necessary. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose for your condition Think of ways to choose a dose that reduces how much is passed into breastmilk e. To reduce the amount of medicine in the breastmilk, time your feed e.

When taking medication Remember to watch for signs of possible side effects in your baby such as increased sleepiness, poor feeding, rash and severe diarrhoea. Commonly used medications Pain medications analgesics. Paracetamol Paracetamol can be used safely during breastfeeding to treat mild pain or reduce fever.

Aspirin Low doses of aspirin, less than mg daily, are considered safe to take. Larger doses should be avoided as they may be harmful to your breastfed infant. Medications containing codeine Medications containing codeine are no longer recommended for pain relief in breastfeeding mothers. Codeine metabolises to morphine in the body and a small number of people produce higher than expected morphine levels in their blood resulting in an increased risk of transfer to the infant via the breastmilk.

Alternative pain control medicines as mentioned above are recommended. When possible, avoid breastfeeding within two hours of your last dose of Sudafed. You have the highest amount of Sudafed in your breast milk one to two hours after you take the drug. Drugs that come as a nasal spray or rinse may be safer options than forms you take by mouth. This is because nasal forms generally work directly in the nose and send less of the drug into your breast milk. Some examples include:.

Several methods can help relieve congestion without the use of medication. For instance, using a humidifier or taking a shower both provide steam, which can help open up your nasal passages. Saline sprays, which you can find over-the-counter at your local drugstore, can help empty fluids from your nose. These salt-and-water formulas can also decrease pressure in your nasal passages.

At night, you can try adhesive nasal strips. These strips help open your nasal passages to help you breathe more easily while you sleep. Keep reading: How to clear a stuffy nose ».

When deciding whether to use the drug while breastfeeding, you should also consider the side effects you may have from Sudafed. The more common side effects you might have while taking this medication can include:.

When considering Sudafed, be sure to consider all factors. Medications Before you reach for anything, the first step is to figure out if you have a cold or the flu.

Is it safe to take acetaminophen while breastfeeding? Can I take antihistamines and decongestants while breastfeeding? Can I take Robitussin while breastfeeding? Can I take Aspirin while breastfeeding? Can I take ibuprofen while breastfeeding? What supplements and natural treatments are safe while breastfeeding? Is it safe to take echinacea while breastfeeding? Are homeopathic remedies safe to take while breastfeeding?

Is oil of oregano safe to take while breastfeeding?