Add a teaspoonful honey. Drink the concoction daily to get the desired relief from a dry cough. Safe Medications to Take During Pregnancy. What You Need to Know, Feeding a Baby In a Car Seat Everything You Need to Know, Why Does My Baby Scream In His Sleep? Drink lots of water and take hot baths. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The bad news is, homeopathic remedies dont appear to work. Causes of sore throat include: Viral infections like influenza and common cold. Cough & Cold Medications while Breastfeeding - InfantRisk Are cough drops OK while breastfeeding? - bloga8.com Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. We often get calls from patients of the Teen and Pregnant Program (TaP) regarding which medications are safe to take for cold symptoms. The end result? Dr. Oscar Novick answered Pediatrics 60 years experience Cough drops: No prolem for mother or baby. Before taking cough syrup, though, be sure to read the label in its entirety since many forms include a mix of drugs that might not always be the best for a breastfeeding mom. if not what can i take for persistent dry cough? Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/Cough-and-Cold-Medicine-Safety.aspx. AntihistaminesNightmares, unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability may be more likely to occur in children taking antihistamines. Dextromethorphan (Robitussin)*. When your whole family is dealing with a serious cough, a bag or two of cough drops isnt going to cut it. Anecdotally women report that applying vapour rubs under socks helps to unblock their own noses. The idea behind itthat very diluted ingredients can cure similar ailmentsdoesnt hold up scientifically. Fishermans Friend Original Extra Strong menthol cough drops have been around since 1865 and remain a popular option to this day. We consulted medical experts, hundreds of user reviews, and tested specific products on this list out for ourselves to come up with the best picks on the market. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) contains menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate as major ingredients. What Cough Medicine Can I Take While Pregnant Thank. Medicine Guidelines During Pregnancy - Cleveland Clinic The Teen and Pregnant Programat Nationwide Childrens Hospital has a provider on call 24/7 to answer questions for our patients. AntihistaminesConfusion, difficult or painful urination, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling faint, or dryness of mouth, nose, or throat may be more likely to occur in elderly patients. Cough and cold remedies and Breastfeeding - The Breastfeeding Network It can be used to inhale via steam (taking care with the risk of scalds from very hot water). Can a take codeine cough syrup while breastfeeding? Most antihistamines have a sedating quality that even affects adults, so it's best to avoid them while nursing. Fluticasone: can decrease inflammation in your nose and help with nasal congestion. She has been writing about parenting and family life since she had her first child as a teenager. Cough & sore throat meds. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Lemon, citrus, honey, and cherry arent bad options, mind you, but if youve been chasing a cough for weeks, the flavors may start to feel stale. Very young children are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Symptoms of a common cold usually appear about 1-3 days after exposure and may include: Ear pain could signal an ear infection and an evaluation by a provider is recommended. She explains that they're often prescribed for rashes and other issues postpartum. ORAL DECONGESTANTS should be avoided by breastfeeding . Research on whether it can help shorten the duration of a cold shows mixed results, so its not clear whether it works or not. Thats why its important to get your flu shot, and if you think you have the flu (you have a fever or feel achy or extremely fatigued), head to your doctor right away. Medicines to treat gas and bloating, such as Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta, and others, are safe to take while breastfeeding. Raw is always best, though it's hardest to get down. Ochsner Health | Notice of Privacy Practices | Terms of Use | Vendor Information. "But any medicine that will dry up [your] will dry up the rest of you," she says. (More on that in a bit.) Ibuprofen can be given to babies older than 3 months. This largely depends on the medication taken. Christina is a firm believer that a strong family is built on a solid foundation of communication and understanding, and she loves to share her experiences and advice with other parents. Can I Take Cold Medications If I'm Breastfeeding? - GoodRx Sipping Warm Liquids: Sipping warm liquids like tea, water, or soup can help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. This content does not have an Arabic version. Throat pain with white patches can be a sign of strep throat and will require a visit to your provider. But a quick and easy way to help get your cough under controlat least in the momentis to pop a cough drop. Answer Many medications and supplements carry risk during pregnancy and for those breastfeeding. Select the drop-down to filter Search by Blog Articles or Sitewide. Cold medications for pregnancy and breastfeeding - Walgreens Also, if you have a fever along with sinus pain, difficulty breathing or discomfort when taking a deep breath, this could signal a secondary infection like sinusitis or pneumonia. This content does not have an English version. In addition, breast milk containsnatural antibodies to strengthenthe baby's immune system. You can always try cough suppressants, decongestants, or even just drinking a glass of water. Please email me with free offers and special discounts from BabyCenters partners. If you are a new mom and would like to learn more about post-delivery resources, including our Mother Baby Care Guide check out https://www.ochsner.org/newmom/post-delivery-resources. Cough and Cold Medicine Safety. Decongestants (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrinePhenylephrine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies. What can i take for cough and colds with flu while i'm breastfeeding? Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects . Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take. These Ricola cough drops have a soothing lemon mint flavor thats easy on your tastebuds. Cough medications to consider include: Delsym. It is imperative that you avoid oral decongestants during breastfeeding if possible. Ochsner is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, founded on providing the best patient care, research and education. However, salicylates have been shown to cause birth defects in animals. When youre a new mom, youre particularly vulnerable to colds and flus: Youre sleep deprived, grabbing junk food on the go, and if you have a preschooler bringing home daycare germs as well, youre really in trouble. However, it can contain some unwanted ingredients if you are on medication. When it comes to cough medication, most are safe to take while breastfeeding. The heavier duty medicines that actually block acid production, called H2 blockers, contain ingredients that can be concentrated in your breast milk, so don't take them without checking with your doctor. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. The use of these products should be limited to three days, as they can cause worsening of your original congestion if used longer. If you take the short acting medication immediately after the nursing session, there is a high possibility that it will have been eliminated before the next nursing session. However, you should always consult your doctor or your baby's pediatrician before incorporating any new medication into your routine. Using medicines in this class with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. However, the mothers in these reports had been taking much larger amounts of aspirin than are usually recommended. Alternatively, you can chew fresh raw ginger depending on your preference. Mixing hot milk with honey can help relieve a dry cough and it reduces chest pains due tocontinuous dry coughing. Lemons can be utilized in different ways for curing coughs. Are cough drops OK while breastfeeding? - Memo for moms . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/. MD. Too much use of alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Before you reach for anything, the first step is to figure out if you have a cold or the flu. All rights reserved. When Can Baby Face Forward in Car Seat? These individuals are called "ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine". Laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia, Correctal, Fleets enema and Miralax. Thank you for choosing Ochsner Health for your care. It also features flavors of mint, sage, and thyme for an overall refreshing taste. Imodium liquid or capsules for diarrhea. In addition, here are some safe over-the-counter cold medications that can help. There is a cough syrup that is safe while pregnant, so I'm assuming it's the same now. If taken for short-term use or occasionally, it is likely OK. Do not exceed more than 1 gram per day. These may prove to be a safer alternative to decongestant tablets. However, some ingredients, such as menthol, eucalyptus oil, and honey, which are found in many cough and cold medications, are safe for nursing mothers to take (AAP, 2018). The information provided is taken from various reference sources. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/breastfeeding/medications-and-breastfeeding/, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thank you for your patience. They also contain menthol to help temporarily numb your throat, just in case its sore from all that coughing. Well send newsletters full of healthy living tips right to your inbox. Health Benefits. (2021). Ricola HoneyLemon with Echinacea- Echinacea is another safe cold-preventative that works best at the onset of a cold. Acetaminophen: Take for body aches and headaches, mild pain, and fever. Some of these medicines are too strong for use in children. Read our guide to sore throat remedies for even more helpful tips. These medications also contain acetaminophen, so it can be easy to accidentally exceed the recommended maximum dose, which can cause serious problems like liver failure. If a nursing mother is an ultra-rapid metabolizer of codeine, it could lead to a morphine overdose in the nursing baby and cause very serious side effects. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), "over-the-counter cough and cold medications are not recommended for infants and children under 4 years of age. HydrocodoneAlthough studies on birth defects with hydrocodone have not been done in humans, it has not been reported to cause birth defects in humans. A common misconception about breastfeeding is that it will happen naturally, without complications, but breastfeeding is hard work in the beginning. Boil 2-3 cloves of garlic in a cup of water then add a teaspoonful of oregano. However, when youre a nursing mom, you may be wondering if its safe to take cough drops while breastfeeding. Is there any cough medicine for women who are still breastfeeding? And, it has never been proven to be effective, points out Lamond. Be careful about taking Tylenol while you're also taking cold and flu products like Nyquil, DayQuil, Excedrin or Robitussin, though. With unlimited growth potential, both professionally and personally, now is the time to start your future with Ochsner. It is not advised to take Strepsils while breastfeeding as it contains ingredients that can be passed to the baby through breast milk, which can have adverse effects on the babys health. Tips: sore throat gargle with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz of water). Antihistamines are easily expressed in breast milk, and can cause sedation, fussiness, excessive crying, and sleep disturbances in your baby. This may lead to withdrawal side effects after birth. 1,338 satisfied customers. This information can also be viewed as a PDF by clickinghere. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Nasal decongestant sprays or drops will act directly on the nasal passages to relieve congestion and reduce absorption into the mothers body. Get strep test/culture if very sore. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). In addition to the certified-organic ingredients, the drops come in an array of interesting flavors, like fennel & cinnamon or ginger with echinacea, which may be a nice break from the standard lemon, honey, or cherry cough drop. AcetaminophenAcetaminophen passes into the breast milk. Avoid eating excessive amounts of cough drops containing menthol. Theres nothing you can take to shorten its duration, but you can get more rest and drink plenty of fluids to help your body fight it off. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. My baby was 3 pounds and a oounce when I was 29 weeks .. is that me hell be big ? For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). You can take cough suppressant dextromethorphan which has been considered safeand does not affect the baby when breastfeeding. Before incorporating a medicine into your routine, talk with your doctor or lactation consultant. Additionally, it can be applied directly to the skin without any risk to the baby. Antihistamines e.g., diphenhydramine, Promethazine may cause drowsiness as well as drying up a runny nose. They also contain a natural lemon flavor for an overall citrusy taste. Products containing paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken by breastfeeding women. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. CodeineAlthough studies on birth defects with codeine have not been done in humans, it has not been reported to cause birth defects in humans. CaffeineStudies in humans have not shown that caffeine causes birth defects. What can I take for cough while breastfeeding - HealthTap 1. In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has stated that menthol and other cough suppressants are generally safe for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Also, since antihistamines tend to decrease the secretions of the body, the flow of breast milk may be reduced in some patients. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2023. Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Individual ingredients need to be checked as there are many products available with multiple drugs each of which should be considered separately for safe consumption during breastfeeding. Drink it everyday until the condition improves greatly. Research has found that honey can help tamp down on coughing, even better than the common cough suppressant dextromethorphan. I agree to BabyCenter processing my health information to provide me with services. Also, increases in blood pressure may be more likely to occur in elderly persons taking decongestants. Attending Physician. Breast milk is the recommended food for the babies. Can You Take Cough Drops While Breastfeeding? Safety & Risks By continuing to breastfeed or pump, your baby receives these antibodies through your milk. but babies under the age of 1 should not be given rx .It is minimal amount it will not bother the baby. Menthol does not appear to have a direct effect on breast milk supply. (2016). Cough drops The flu can escalate to a more serious condition, such as pneumonia, especially if you recently gave birth. Then what about cough medicines? It'sOK to take while breastfeeding, and it wont affect your supply, but expectorants generally dont work that well, says Ellen Giesbrecht, senior medical director of the maternal newborn program at BC Women's Hospital, so they might not be worth taking. Send us an email! Calpol vapour plug can be used as per manufacturer instructions (over 3 months), Snufflebabe can be used as per manufacturer instructions (over 6 months) but again taking care that nothing can be rubbed into the babys eyes. Or you can try a nasal steroid, like Nasacort, which is Lamonds go-to. Cough medication suitable for breastfeeding persons, Cough medication to avoid while breastfeeding. Cough And Cold Combinations (Oral Route) - Mayo Clinic AAP. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. It is provided as a guideline. However, there is a chance that regular use of salicylates late in pregnancy may cause unwanted effects on the heart or blood flow in the fetus or newborn baby. - GoodRx Home chevron_right Health Conditions chevron_right Cold Symptoms Taking Cold Medication While Breastfeeding: Is It Safe? I was told by a pharmacist that Halls and Cepacol lozenges were fine as they are local. Applying Vicks Vaporub: Applying Vicks Vaporub directly to the chest and neck can help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Over the counter medications such as lozenges, or throat sprays containing benzocaine or menthol can also be used for short-term relief of sore throat symptoms (1). Chemicals from cough syrup can pass into your breast milk. It offers significant symptom relief with limited risk. Also, unusual excitement or restlessness may be more likely to occur in children receiving these medicines. Precaution: Talk to your doctor about the safety and dose of any medicine you take while breastfeeding. Colds do not cause milk quality or quantity to diminish and breastfeeds can supply a great deal of comfort as well as nutrition to a child who is feeling poorly. If you have not washed your hands after you touch a contaminated object and you then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you will be likely to catch a cold. "Over-the-counter cold medicines are . Beyond that, youre peeing it out, but it could give you a wicked stomachache.. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our nationally ranked specialists or Primary Care physicians please click or call (800) 881-7385. In addition, oral decongestants also pass on to the milk in small amounts, which can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, and restlessness of the baby. If such products are taken in error, it is not a reason to interrupt breastfeeding as the risk is remote, but these products should not be continued. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk? Since everything you consume can be passed to your baby through your breastmilk, is it safe to take cough medicine? 4. Adult vapour rubs e.g., Vick should not be applied to the chest of the mother as the smell can be quite overwhelming for a baby (and lead to breathing difficulties) and may be rubbed into the eyes. Because these medications contain a mix of ingredients, it can be a challenge to figure out if theyre safe to use while breastfeeding. I often combine that with a neti pot. When you are prescribed any medication, it is imperative that you monitor any reaction on the baby. Medicines containing Guaifenesin can be taken by breastfeeding mothers to relieve a chesty cough. Do not take aspirin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless it has been ordered by your doctor. Care should obviously be taken with bowls of almost boiling water if the baby is nearby. However, some ingredients, such as menthol, eucalyptus oil, and honey, which are found in many . The steam from the shower can help reduce inflammation in the throat and make breathing easier. Before taking any medication, nursing mothers should always read the label carefully to ensure that it is safe to take while breastfeeding. If youre looking for a change, Ludens Green Apple is a nice option for a mild cough. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. However, other substances found in some menthol products, such as camphor, eucalyptus, and peppermint, may reduce breast milk supply, so it is best to avoid using products containing these ingredients while breastfeeding. Can you take cough drops while breastfeeding - HealthTap Advanced technologies. Many of a babys symptoms can be taken to reflect a lower milk supply. Vicks Formula 44 Cough Control. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is best to speak with your doctor before taking any cough drops. Sore throat sprays or lozenges are generally considered safe, as are cough drops. However, most medication only gets through in small amounts and rarely affects your baby. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Taking a Hot Shower: Taking a hot shower can help reduce coughing and loosen mucus. If the child is receiving paracetamol suspension to relieve cold symptoms, the additional passage of the drug through the mothers breastmilk is unlikely to be clinically significant so both can take paracetamol at the same time in normal doses. Benzonatate (Oral Route) Precautions - Mayo Clinic My sister is breastfeeding her 2 month baby she has a sore throat is safe for her to eat cough drops with honey? Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Mens Health, Womens Health, Self, Glamour, and more. The menthol in Vicks Vaporub helps reduce inflammation and loosen mucus in the throat. Steam inhalations can be useful in relieving symptoms of nasal congestion products such as Menthol and Eucalyptus may be preferred by individuals because of the cooling effect of the menthol on the nasal passages. I used strepsils because I got HFM from my LO. Cutting onions is the simplest remedy for coughs. Get parenting news, expert advice, info on secret sales, discounts and the best-ever products. Cold and Allergy Remedies Compatible with Breastfeeding Additionally, honey can help coat the throat and reduce irritation. Christina is a passionate mother of two and a writer who specializes in parenting topics. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Are cough drops safe for breastfeeding mom and baby? Suppression of a chesty cough may result in a chest infection particularly if the mother is asthmatic. Products containing dextromethorphan will sedate a dry cough but should be avoided if there is any phlegm on the mothers chest. While you should not give honey to babies under 1 year of age due to the risk of infant botulism (a rare condition caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which live in soil and dust), it is perfectly fine for the breastfeeding person to consume honey. Salicylates (e.g., aspirin)Salicylates pass into the breast milk. Sore throat. You must show ID to prove you are older than 18. Cough Medicine While Breastfeeding | New Health Advisor Congestion - saline nose drops o. *, Drinking plenty of fluids (especially water), Take a hot bath or shower and breathe in the steam, Use a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom when sleeping, Using cough drops, lozenges or throat sprays. Medications Safe for Use During Breastfeeding/Lactating - 2 - Disclaimer: This document contains information and/or instructional materials developed by Michigan Medicine for the typical patient with your condition. Written by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD | Reviewed by Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS Updated on November 28, 2022 Key takeaways: It's safe to use most over-the-counter cold medications while breastfeeding. Continuing to breastfeed during a cold or flu will not weaken the mother nor harm the baby, who will receive beneficial maternal antibodies to protect him/her from the infection. If elderberry isnt processed properly, it can be toxic to people and cause severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, so its best to avoid it while breastfeeding.. (analgesics and antipyretics) Ibuprofen (L1): The transfer of ibuprofen in breast milk is well studied as it is a common choice for postpartum pain. Get answers to the breastfeeding questions youve always wanted to ask your OB/GYN. If you are breastfeeding, the chance that problems might occur depends on the ingredients of the combination. In animal studies pseudoephedrine did not cause birth defects but did cause a decrease in average weight, length, and rate of bone formation in the animal fetus when given in high doses. Babies may have a croaky, hoarse cry which is different to normal, indicating a sore throat. But its safe., When it comes to elderberry, the harms outweigh the benefits, says Morais. Take this solution 3-4 times a day. Cough syrups arent recommended while breastfeeding, says Lamond. Yes! Studies have found that menthol in the form of topical ointments and inhalers can be used safely while breastfeeding, with no adverse effects on the infant or breastfeeding mother. The solution will help in improving your breathing and alleviating cough symptoms. Does menthol pass through breast milk? Taking the dose immediately AFTER nu You can take a product with dextromethorphan if you need to, but don't ignore simple remedies like a couple teaspoon of honey, throat lozenges. Relieving Cold Symptoms Without Toddler Cough Suppressants - Parents If you have a sore throat or a cough, the Infant Risk Center has provided guidance on medications that are OK to take and ones that should be avoided. 4.9k views Reviewed >2 years ago. -Oral ingestion of menthol resulted in detectable levels in human milk; there are no data on the excretion of topical menthol into human milk. Routledge 2018, Merewood A, Philipp BL, 2001, Breastfeeding Conditions and Diseases (1st Edition), Pharmasoft, Texas.