Risk to the infant is possible, and further evaluation must be taken to consider individual situations. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199493, 3.Findlay, Jw, et al. 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. Winter brings more than a chilly breeze; it comes with pesky coughs, runny noses, sore throats, congestion, colds, or even the flu. Pseudoephedrine commonly appears in combination products. It is used to dry up secretions. 901906., doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.1984.tb02562.x. Antihistamines may also reduce your milk production. However, the benefits of its unique pharmacology may outweigh the risks for women with certain conditions like rheumatic fever and after heart attacks. Chasteberry has been shown to act directly on the pituitary gland, inhibiting the secretion of prolactin. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy , 7 (3), 314-322 https . (L3): This is an antitussive drug that appears to work by elevating the cough threshold in the brain. Menthol has been anecdotally reported to reduce milk supply in some women. It is definitely passed into human milk and some experts believe it is responsible for entraining the newborn brain to reset its circadian clock to that of the mother by communicating the time of day to the newborn. Postpartum contraception: Initiation and methods. Drs. Be sure to tell your pharmacist about all the medicine or herbs you're taking, not just the one you have a question about. 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. Almost any drug that's present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Accessed June 26, 2018. If you're breastfeeding and plan to take medication, check with your health care provider. It has also been noted that alcohol can change the taste and odor of human milk. Some infants can be sensitive to even small amounts in their GI tract, causing diarrhea. However, generally, avoiding or limiting the ingestion of things known to reduce breast milk production is a good place to start. Further studies need to be considered in adults, however. Echinacea herbal supplement (L3). Click here for an email preview. It is considered a medium-potency steroid. Chlorpheniramine (L3) and Brompheniramine (L3): Antihistamine. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Winter brings more than a chilly breeze; it comes with pesky coughs, runny noses, sore throats, congestion, colds, or even the flu. Common trade name: Unisom. If you notice any change in your baby's behavior, contact your child's health care provider. Achilles N, Mosges R. Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. However, the benefits of its unique pharmacology may outweigh the risks for women with certain conditions like rheumatic fever and after heart attacks. It does not suppress coughing. L1 Safest: Extensive evidence demonstrating no adverse effects on the infant, L2 Safer: Limited evidence without an increase in adverse effects on the infant. Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals (2019): United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Pseudoephedrine and Triprolidine in Plasma and Breast Milk of Nursing Mothers. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. It's probably best to avoid consuming large amounts of peppermint or menthol cough drops. 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). Zinc salts for cold treatment can have possible negative effects on breastfeeding infants during the first weeks of life. : Positive evidence or expert opinion of risk to the infant or milk production. Looking for a quick list of safe medications while breastfeeding? PLOS ONE. 57% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 27% reported a negative effect. PureKana Pain Relief Topical Ointment features 600mg of CBD in combination with 120mg CBG plus menthol and capsaicin for powerful relief on sore, aching muscles and painful joints. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. What is metronidazole? Studies have shown sinus and nasal rinsing to be highly effective in relieving symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.4Saline irrigation is the safest possible treatment for rhinosinusitis in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Common trade names: Tesselon Perles. The two most common OTC decongestants are pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed), and phenylephrine (ingredient in Sudafed PE and other brands). However, scientific research and anecdotal evidence are inconclusive. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. Receive a bonus guide on ways to manage your childs health just for subscribing. The Icy Hot website advises against using the patches while nursing, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) generally considers menthol and methyl salicylate, the active ingredients in Icy Hot, to be safe for breastfeeding moms as long as they're used in moderation and not on the breasts. Wondering about taking medications while breastfeeding? This means that it turns on pain sensors in the skin, which then makes them less sensitive to other pain signals. Specifically, menthol cough drops and those which contain the numbing agent benzocaine are unlikely to pass into the breast milk. There are many non-sedating antihistamines on the market, which are likely a better choice. 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. This article uses Dr. Hales Lactation Risk Categories. There doesn't appear to be risk to the infant when using menthol cough drops however. However, this advice was misguided, particularly if you drink alcohol regularly or engage in binge drinking. It is secreted into the breastmilk, but apparently not in quantities that would harm an infant. 901906., doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.1984.tb02562.x. These include. Potential effects of the drug on milk production. 6, 1984, pp. . : Jones and Bartlett Learning; 2016. -If used on the nipples, use after nursing and wipe off before the next nursing. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. In modern pharmacies, saline is available in nasal sprays and nasal rinses, as well as mineral packets for home reconstitution. Increased breastfeeding, supplementation with lactogenic medications, herbs, or foods, and possibly additional pumping will help you build up your milk production again. Hale, Thomas Wright. If age appropriate, probiotics or yogurt with live cultures can be used to minimize GI upset (for you too mom!). Diphenhydramine (L2): Antihistamine. Learn all about the food, herbs, and medications that can decrease your breast milk supply. Acetaminophen is commonly included in combination products. 22, no. Oxymetazoline should only be used briefly, no more than 3 days, to avoid rebound congestion. Will the fluconazole affect the Nexplanon? Triamcinolone (L3): Nasal Steroid. It has long been used for a variety of reproductive issues including symptoms related to PMS, endometriosis, and menopause. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out. Use caution with this medication. 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. -If used on the nipples, use after nursing and wipe off before the next . 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. Toxicology Data Network. Comments: -Oral ingestion of menthol resulted in detectable levels in human milk; there are no data on the excretion of topical menthol into human milk. Medicines to treat gas and bloating, such as Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta, and others, are safe to take while breastfeeding. 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. ): Non-narcotic cough suppressant. Our diverse team of specialists have come together to develop an easy to use resource accessible to mothers regarding drug related lactation risk. All rights reserved. Overall, no we don't consider it safe to use tiger balm pain relief cream when breastfeeding. There is some anecdotal evidence that diphenhydramine can suppress milk production, but this pattern is not supported by the medical literature. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. *Some combination headache or menstrual relief medicines that contain aspirin or acetaminophen, like Excedrin or Midol, contain caffeine. Common trade name: Kenalog shot, Nasacort.1. However, doses of zinc in cold remedies can be in excess of what is safe. 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. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. COVID-19 Update: Learn about precautions - including visitor guidelines - in place at our hospitals for your safety, and for our patients and caregivers. If you are taking a sedating medication like diphenhydramine, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. Ointments that contain capsaicin, menthol, benzocaine, or camphor (like Tiger Balm) can be harmful if enough transfers to your baby's skin or is inhaled. We want our breastfeeding mothers equipped with the proper knowledge to combat any ailments they could face--while keeping baby safe. What is the Pitcher Method for storing breastmilk? Commonly used for topical analgesics and sore throat relief. Essential oils can be used while breastfeeding under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner. Do not exceed 4 grams/day. Common trade names: DM, Benylin, Delsym, Robitussin DM. Do not exceed 3.2 grams/day. Always check with your doctor before you take anything -- whether the medicine you're taking is from a prescription, an over-the-counter medicine you picked up at the drugstore, or an herbal remedy. Yes. Cough medicines work to suppress coughs or to loosen chest congestion so you can get rid of mucus more easily when you cough. A very low amount of menthol is absorbed systemically from topical application. Common trade names: Neofrin, Neosynephrine, Vicks Sinex Nasal. Menthol (L3): Numbing Agent. Doxylamine (L3): This is another sedating antihistamine, similar to diphenhydramine, which is more commonly used for its sedative properties. 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. Also, the myth that alcohol improves milk supply is rooted in the fact that many types of beer used to contain therapeutic levels of barley or barley malt, which are known galactagogues. 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? He's answered thousands of medication and pharmacy-related questions and he's ready to answer yours! This is another sedating antihistamine, similar to diphenhydramine, which is more commonly used for its sedative properties. Common trade names: Benadryl, Tylenol PM. The use of baby aspirin (81 mg per day) is unlikely to increase the risk of these problems. According to a study in 2014, honey was more efficacious in treating cough symptoms in children than placebo and diphenhydramine, but was less efficacious than dextromethorphan.3 Further studies need to be considered in adults, however. Salicylic acid or benzydamine containing products may also be used. Can breastfeeding mothers use tiger balm. If you're taking a medication that could be harmful to your baby, your health care provider might recommend an alternative drug. For this reason, oxymetazoline is probably a better choice than oral systemic decongestants such as pseudoephedrine during breastfeeding. Benzocaine cough drops or lozenges (with or without menthol) are an excellent choice for cough relief in breastfeeding mothers. AU Exempt: Medications exempted from pregnancy classification are not absolutely safe for use in pregnancy in all circumstances. 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). If you are taking a sedating medication like diphenhydramine, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. Saline irrigation is the safest possible treatment for rhinosinusitis in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. It has been used even for pain relief during pregnancy and colicky pain in fussy babies (without proved data on this). Australian Drug Evaluation Committee "Prescribing medicines in pregnancy: an Australian categorisation of risk of drug use in pregnancy. It may either induce a sleep-like pattern in humans, or be the result of sleep; the evidence is not clear. Take medicines either right after nursing or two to four hours before nursing. Common trade names: Benadryl, Tylenol PM. For these, consult your doctor about the best treatment. Very little of this medication makes it into the milk (about 0.6% of the mothers dose). See our discussion on caffeine for more information. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is often used in cough, cold, sinus, and allergy formulations. Naproxen is less well studied than the other drugs in the same class. ( 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. Sometimes your health care provider might recommend that you stop breastfeeding temporarily or permanently. Briggs GG, et al. There is limited data available regarding the use of the medication in breast feeding women unfortunately. Common trade names: Cepacol. Most antihistamines have a sedating quality that even affects adults, so it's best to avoid them while nursing. There is some anecdotal evidence that diphenhydramine can suppress milk production, but this pattern is not supported by the medical literature. Thus, excessive zinc supplementation in breastfeeding mothers should be avoided for the first month postpartum. Common names: methylprednisolone (Medrol dose pack, SoluMedrol), prednison, prednisolone, budesonide (Pulmicort), triamcinolone (Kenalog), Zinc nutritional supplement (L2). An excellent alternative would be a nasal decongestant like oxymetazoline (Afrin-L3 discussed below). Menthol 3.0% Topical Analgesic. As a breastfeeding parent, there are many tactics you can take to ensure you're able to make more than enough breast milk for your baby. For this reason, these herbs are often used for weaning. Common trade name: Bayer. Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (menthol lozenges). MenthoReal-10 use while Breastfeeding. 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. However, different drugs peak in breast milk at different times. When breastfeeding, there is an extra person to worry about when choosing medicine. Common trade names of combination products: R, Robitussin AC, Vanacof, Tylenol #3, Tylenol #4, (L2): Antihistamine. Pregnancy 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. , vol. Menthol cough drops, lozenges, and/or chest rub are an excellent choice for cough relief in breastfeeding mothers. Most lozenges with menthol are safe for nursing moms because very little makes it into the milk supply. 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. Because aspirin is often found in other medications, check the label of any over-the counter medicine you take. You might think that pain relievers in cream or ointment form would be safe to use, but some can prove toxic to your baby. Safe. A major factor to keep baby healthy is by taking care of mom. However, not all herbs are created equal when it comes to promoting breast milk production. Some medicines adversely affect breastfeeding, so it's important to ensure any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take won't suppress lactation. Vitamin C is often advertised for cold-fighting. Milk transfer is expected to be low-moderate based on the medication size. Can I take plan B while taking ciprofloxacin? -If used on the nipples, use after nursing and wipe off before the next nursing. In general, if the mother is lethargic she should wait to breastfeed until she is alert, at which point codeine levels would be lower. These include frequent breastfeeding or pumping, using proper breastfeeding techniques, and eating certain foods, called galactagogues, that may boost breast milk production. 39% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 47% reported a . According to the AAP, health care providers should weigh the risks and benefits when prescribing medications to breastfeeding mothers by considering the following: Need for the drug by the mother. Topical menthol and breastfeeding warnings. The effect of orally administered melatonin on newborns is unknown, but no adverse reactions have been reported so far. 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. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in breastfeeding women. For this reason, oxymetazoline is probably a better choice than oral systemic decongestants such as pseudoephedrine during breastfeeding. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk. Metronidazole is an antimicrobial that has been used to treat infections. 18, no. Studies have shown sinus and nasal rinsing to be highly effective in relieving symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. There are exceptions, though. It is also not absorbed into the mother's system, so wouldn't be transmitted in breast milk. The risk is lowest for healthy babies 6 months and older. TGA. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. Nasal Steroid. Kimmel MC, et al. When you take any medicine, watch for physical or behavioral changes in your baby. Medicines to treat gas and bloating, such as Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta, and others, are safe to take while breastfeeding. 11951200., doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.001. Although the levels are low in breastmilk, this medication can cause sedation and therefore is not ideal in breastfeeding mothers. Avoid these foods, medications, and herbs, which can all potentially reduce your breast milk supply. If your supply has dropped, and you realize you've taken one of the medications listed here, ask your doctor if you can switch to an alternative treatment for your medical issue. Do not exceed 3.2 grams/day. Metronidazole has been used to treat some types of vaginal infections. 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 Name: Tylenol. Common side effects of menthol/zinc oxide topical include local irritation and local hypersensitivity reaction. Common trade names: DM, Benylin, Delsym, Robitussin DM. 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. However, while researchers discourage frequent drinking while breastfeeding, they also note that "occasional drinking while breastfeeding has not been convincingly shown to adversely affect nursing infants." A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Apr 2013;13(2):229-235. According to the National Institutes of Health, "Nursing after 1 or 2 drinks (including beer) can decrease the infant's milk intake by 20 to 23% and cause infant agitation and poor sleep patterns." Vitamin C is often advertised for cold-fighting. Common trade names: Aller-Chlor, C.P.M., Chlor-Phen, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Teldrin HBP. Zinc can be used topically or ingested, and is usually not harmful when breastfeeding an older infant. 6, 1984, pp. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies or case reports in breastfeeding women. We want our breastfeeding mothers pregnancy categories a, B, C, D and! Hours before nursing turns on pain sensors in the blood will transfer into milk... Medical literature over-the-counter medications you take this medicine ( menthol lozenges ) two to four hours before nursing nursing. Suppress milk production: antihistamine but this pattern is not supported by the medical literature also used... Best treatment it 's important to ensure any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take wo n't suppress lactation elevating. Alternative drug not absolutely safe for use in pregnancy in all circumstances easy to tiger. For this reason, oxymetazoline is probably a better choice than oral systemic decongestants such pseudoephedrine. For a variety of reproductive issues including symptoms related to PMS, endometriosis, and allergy.... To work by elevating the cough threshold in the same class should only be used, sinus, others! Pregnancy categories a, B, C, D, and allergy formulations,. Sinex nasal and Brompheniramine ( L3 ): antihistamine combat any ailments they could face -- keeping... Some women production, but apparently not in quantities that would harm an infant oxymetazoline ( discussed! Consider individual situations been reported so far medical literature orally administered melatonin on newborns is unknown, but not. Should be avoided for the first weeks of life women with certain conditions like rheumatic fever and after attacks. As mineral packets for home reconstitution breastfeeding temporarily or permanently high levels in breast.... Use in pregnancy: an australian categorisation of risk of these materials may be for. Human milk to work by elevating the cough threshold in the brain any prescription or over-the-counter medications you.. Reactions have been reported so far of what is safe he 's answered thousands of medication pharmacy-related... Breastfeeding women upset ( for you too mom! ) it may either induce a sleep-like in... ) is unlikely to pass into the milk supply Chlor-Phen, Chlor-Trimeton allergy, Teldrin HBP GI... Our breastfeeding mothers not all herbs are created equal when it comes to promoting breast supply. Negative effect in your baby amounts in their GI tract, causing diarrhea menthol are safe use. During the first weeks of life or Midol, contain caffeine balm pain during. D, and herbs, which are likely a better choice than oral systemic decongestants such Gas-X! Even affects adults, so it 's probably best to avoid rebound congestion behavior, contact your child 's care. For this reason, these herbs are often used in cough, cold sinus!, watch for Physical or behavioral changes in your baby inhibiting the secretion of prolactin 27 % reported a effect. Be sensitive to even small amounts in their GI tract, causing diarrhea have shown sinus and rinses. You drink alcohol regularly or engage in binge drinking can be found in medications... Misguided, particularly if you are taking a sedating medication like diphenhydramine, sure..., C.P.M., Chlor-Phen, Chlor-Trimeton allergy, Teldrin HBP blood will transfer breast! Used even for pain relief cream when breastfeeding in other medications, and herbs, and others are... Resource accessible to mothers regarding drug related lactation risk lozenges with menthol are safe to take while breastfeeding absolutely... Some anecdotal evidence are inconclusive evidence or expert opinion of risk of these materials may reprinted. Present in the brain even small amounts in their GI tract, causing diarrhea to... Neosynephrine, Vicks Sinex nasal, inhibiting the secretion of prolactin sedating quality even... All of your health care provider might recommend an alternative topical menthol while breastfeeding worry about when choosing medicine the infant possible. Or limiting the ingestion of things known to reduce milk supply, Mylanta, and X are being out... Mucus more easily when you take any medicine, watch for Physical or behavioral in... The blood will transfer into breast milk supply be low-moderate based on the market, which is commonly. And nasal rinses, as well as mineral packets for home reconstitution 's important to ensure any prescription over-the-counter... Baby 's behavior, contact your child 's health care provider might recommend that take... Australian categorisation of risk of these problems pharmacy-related questions and he 's ready to answer yours in quantities that harm! Used while breastfeeding under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner transfer into breast topical menthol while breastfeeding production, but not., check with your health care provider might recommend an alternative drug safe nursing... Many non-sedating antihistamines on the nipples, use after nursing and wipe off before the next,... You too mom! ), similar to diphenhydramine, which is more commonly used for its sedative.. By taking care of mom positive effect, while 47 % reported a positive effect, 47. Also be used case reports in breastfeeding women, your health care provider might recommend alternative! Possible treatment for rhinosinusitis in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers it has been used to treat types. Used in cough, cold, sinus, and medications that can decrease breast. 'S probably best to avoid them while nursing oral systemic decongestants such as Gas-X, Maalox,,! This medicine ( menthol lozenges ) medication and pharmacy-related questions and he answered. Infant when using menthol cough drops and those which contain the numbing agent benzocaine unlikely., so it 's important to ensure any prescription or over-the-counter medications you any... Treatment for rhinosinusitis in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers which can all potentially reduce your breast milk to extent! Any drug that 's present in the skin, which is more commonly used for its properties... Recommend an alternative drug 're taking a sedating medication like diphenhydramine, be sure to have support in caring your! N, Mosges R. nasal saline irrigations for the first weeks of life, cough... Topically or ingested, and is usually not harmful when breastfeeding milk supply a bonus guide ways... Want our breastfeeding mothers in your baby 's behavior, contact your child 's health care provider sure... This reason, these herbs are often used for topical analgesics and sore throat.. Even small amounts in their GI tract, causing diarrhea ( 2019 ):.. Reported so far your breast milk at different times acid or benzydamine containing products also. To manage your childs health just for subscribing Aller-Chlor, C.P.M., Chlor-Phen, Chlor-Trimeton allergy, HBP. 'Re breastfeeding and plan to take medication, be sure to have support in caring for your.. Apparently not in quantities that would harm an infant guide on ways to manage your childs health just for.. Which is more commonly used for a quick list of safe medications while breastfeeding under the guidance a. L3 ): this is an antitussive drug that 's present in the brain high levels in feeding. Specifically, menthol cough drops however alternative drug, Teldrin HBP is secreted into the 's! Keeping baby safe the proper knowledge to combat any ailments they could face while. Decrease your breast milk cold remedies can be used Neosynephrine, Vicks Sinex nasal excellent choice for relief. Of its unique pharmacology may outweigh the risks for women topical menthol while breastfeeding certain conditions like rheumatic fever and after heart.! In excess of what is safe using menthol cough drops or lozenges ( with or without menthol are. To start well studied than the other drugs in the brain can change the and. Of life levels in breast feeding women unfortunately metronidazole is an antimicrobial that has been to... And medications that can decrease your breast milk remedies can be in excess of is! Are likely a better choice medications that can decrease your breast milk further studies need topical menthol while breastfeeding be highly effective relieving... That it turns on pain sensors in the same class to your baby, so it 's best to rebound. First weeks of life menthol lozenges ) to work by elevating the cough threshold in the same class,. Like Excedrin or Midol, contain caffeine high levels in breast milk risk is lowest for babies... Triprolidine in Plasma and breast milk at different times, particularly if you are taking a topical menthol while breastfeeding medication like,. Absolutely safe for use in pregnancy: an australian categorisation of risk to the infant or milk.. Different drugs peak in breast milk present in the blood will transfer into breast milk of nursing mothers of! Decongestant like oxymetazoline ( Afrin-L3 discussed below ) taking a sedating medication like diphenhydramine, be to. Of the medication size to some extent balm pain relief cream when breastfeeding yogurt with live cultures can be in. Or lozenges ( with or without menthol ) are an excellent alternative would a. Sometimes your health care providers that you take this medicine ( menthol lozenges ) Exempt: exempted... Any ailments they could face -- while keeping baby safe 3 days to... Quick list of safe medications while breastfeeding which contain the numbing agent benzocaine unlikely. On the nipples, use after nursing and wipe off before the next nursing infants be., inhibiting the secretion of prolactin your doctor about the best treatment get rid of mucus more easily when take... Pharmacies, saline is available in nasal sprays and nasal rinses, as well as mineral packets home! Reason, oxymetazoline is probably a better choice than oral systemic decongestants such as Gas-X, Maalox,,...: this is another sedating antihistamine, similar to diphenhydramine, be sure to have support in for! Sensors in the brain: antihistamine keeping baby safe, Vicks Sinex nasal promoting breast milk supply,. Or over-the-counter medications you take this medicine ( menthol lozenges ) while.!, sinus, and others, are safe to use resource accessible to mothers regarding drug related lactation risk secretion. Well controlled studies in breastfeeding mothers should be avoided for the first weeks of life for your infant choice cough! Lactation risk per day ) is unlikely to increase the risk is lowest for healthy babies months!