Breastfeeding mothers are often concerned about the safety of drinking medications or receiving vaccinations while breastfeeding. Some medications are able to pass through the breastmilk and be indirectly ingested by the infant while some medications do not. To make things simpler, here is a quick list of medications that are safe to drink, medications that must be taken with caution and medications that are avoided while breastfeeding.
Medications that are Safe to Drink While Breastfeeding
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● Acetaminophen or Paracetamol for Fever ● Acyclovir ● Localized anesthetics (for dental work) ● Antacids for hyperacidity ● Antibiotics for bacterial infections related to breastfeeding or as prescribed by doctor ● Anticoagulant ● Anticonvulsant ● Antihistamine for allergies ● Aspartame (nutrasweet) ● Asthma medications such as Cromolyn, Inhalants and Bronchodilators ● Barium ● Chloroquine (Antimalarial) ● Cortisone |
● Decongestant ● Digitalis ● Diuretics ● Ibuprofen ● Insulin ● Kaopectate ● Laxatives ● Muscle Relaxant ● Pinworm Medications ● Propanolol ● Propylthiouracil ● Silicon from implants ● Thyroid medications ● Vaccines ● Vitamins |
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Medications that Must Be Taken with Caution or With Proper Medical Advice While Breastfeeding |
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● Alcohol ● Antidepressants ● Aspirin ● Codeine ● Demerol ● Ergots ● General Anesthetics ● Indomethacin ● Isoniazid ● Lithium |
● Metoclopramide ● Metronidazole ● Morphine ● Oral contraceptives ● Paxil ● Phenobarbital ● Prozac ● Valium ● Zoloft |
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Medications that Must Be Avoided While Breastfeeding |
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● Amphetamines ● Antimetabolite drugs (anticancer drugs) ● Cocaine ● Cyclosporine ● Heroine ● Lindane ● Marijuana |
● Methotrexate ● Mysoline ● Nicotine ● Parlodel ● PCP ● Radioactive drugs for diagnostic tests |
If you are currently breastfeeding, always consult your doctor before taking any medication to ensure the safety of its dosage and type of drug formulation to ensure both you and your baby’s safety.
References:
Department of Health (2012). Gabay sa Nanay sa Tamang Pagpapasuso.
