Medications that can be taken while breastfeeding

Now that you’ve had your baby, you may be wondering what medications you can take if you get sick. For the most part, the same medications that you used when pregnant can be used safely while breastfeeding. We have provided a list of over-the-counter medications that are considered to be safe for a woman to take while breastfeeding. If your symptoms are not relieved after taking a medication from this list, or you wish to take a medication not on this list, please call our office for further assistance.

 Allergies

◊ The American Academy of Pediatrics considers these medications to be safe & effective for breastfeeding women to use, however it is important to note that they may affect milk supply. Some women who take decongestants find that there is a decrease in the amount of milk their bodies produce. If you notice a decrease in milk supply you should stop taking decongestants.

• Claritin
• Benadryl
• Actifed
• Sudafed (requires a prescription)
• Sudafed PE
• Chlortrimeton

 

 Artificial Sweeteners

• Nutrasweet
• Splenda

 

Constipation

• Colace
• Fibercon
• Metamucil
• Citrucel
• Milk of Magnesia

Coughs & Colds

• Robitussin PE or Robitussin DM
• Tylenol Sinus
• Vicks Vapo-Rub
• Cough Drops

 

Heartburn / Indigestion

• Mylanta
• TUMS
• Pepcid
• Maalox
• Gavison
• Pepto Bismol

Hemorrhoids

• Preparation H
• Anusol HC
• Tucks

 

Nasal congestion

◊ See note in “Allergy” section above.

• Robitussin CF
• Actifed
• Sudafed
• Saline Nasal Spray

 

Pain, Fever, or Headache

• Tylenol—regular or extra strength
• NSAIDS (i.e. Ibuprofen, Motrin, or Aleve)

 

Rash / Itching

• Calamine lotion
• Benadryl
• Benadryl Lotion
• Hydrocortisone cream 1%

 

Skin Care

• Pro-Active
• Stridex pads
• Clearasil
• Antibacterial Soap
• Facials

 

Sleep Aid

• Benadryl
• Tylenol PM
• Unisom

 

Sore Throat

• Cepacol
• Chloraseptic Spray
• Throat lozenges or Cough drops

 

Yeast Infection

• Monistat 7
• Gyne-Lotrimin