Medications and Breastmilk

Is This Medication Safe to Use While Breastfeeding/Pumping?

  • The following resources provide medication-specific guidance for breastfeeding families
    • E-Lactancia
    • InfantRisk Center
      • Type the medication name in the search bar at the top-right of the page
      • Provides the option to call and speak to an expert
    • LactMed
      • Databased created by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
      • Type the medication name in the search bar next to "Search this book"

Common Medications Known to be Safe

Pain Relief

  • Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) 
  • Tylenol (acetaminophen) 

Cold/Flu/Sinus

Short term use of common cold medications is generally considered safe while breastfeeding

  • Afrin (oxymetazoline) - Do not use for longer than 3 days. Is generally tolerated well due to its local administration and limited absorption
  • Robitussin (dextromethorphan) 
  • Mucinex (guaifenesin) 

Allergy

Short-term use of the following allergy medications is well tolerated, but long term use has been shown to negatively impact breastmilk supply.

  • Flonase (fluticasone)
  • Claritin (loratadine)  
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine)
  • Allegra (fexofenadine)

Heartburn/Indigestion

  • Tums (calcium carbonate)
  • Pepcid (famotidine) 
  • Zantac (ranitidine)
  • Prilosec (omeprazole)
  • Maalox/Mylanta (simethicone) 

Depression/Anxiety

  • Most antidepressants are completely safe!
    • You should always talk to your PCP so you can make a plan together

Fungal/Bacterial Infections

  • Diflucan (fluconazole)
  • Most antibiotics are safe, but please check with your PCP if an antibiotic is prescribed as some are more preferable than others

Laxatives

  • Metamucil (psyllium)
  • Colace (docusate)
  • Miralax (polyethylene glycol)

Common Medications to Avoid

  • Pseudoephedrine - decongestant commonly found in combination cold medications
  • Phenylephrine - decongestant commonly found in combination cold medications
  • Naproxen
  • Ergots (for migraines)