Friday, 8 April 2011

Common medications that are safe to use while breastfeeding


Common medications that are safe to use while breastfeeding
The safety of the following medications is established for short-term use only. If you are required to take one of these for more than one or two weeks, consult a physician.
acetaminophen
asthma medications (cromolyn, inhalant bronchodilators)
Kaopectate
acyclovir
barium
laxatives
anesthetics local (e.g., dental work)
chloroquine (antimalarial)
muscle relaxants
antacids
cortisone
pinworm medications
antibiotics (tetracycline* and sulfa**)
decongestants
propranolol
anticoagulants
digitalis
propylthiouracil
anticonvulsants
diuretics
silicone from implants
antihistamines
ibuprofen
thyroid medications
aspartame
insulin
vaccines


vitamins
* Avoid taking tetracycline for longer than ten days
** Avoid in newborn period
Drugs that require careful monitoring by a physician when taken while breastfeeding
Whether these drugs and medications are safe to take while breastfeeding depends on many factors: the dosage, age of infant, duration of therapy, and timing of dosage and breastfeeding. Consult a physician knowledgeable about drugs during breastfeeding if you need to take any of the following medications long-term.
alcohol
general anesthetics*
morphine
antidepressants
indomethacin
oral contraceptives
aspirin
isoniazid
Paxil
codeine
lithium**
phenobarbitol
Demerol
metoclopramide
Prozac
ergots
metronidazole (Flagyl)***
Valium


Zoloft
* It is safe to breastfeed six to twelve hours after most general anesthetics. ** Some authorities consider lithium absolutely contraindicated while breastfeeding; others believe lithium can be used cautiously, as long as blood lithium concentration in the baby is monitored. *** Authorities recommend giving the mother a single two-gram dose and having her discontinue breastfeeding for only twelve to twenty-four hours.
Drugs that should not be used while breastfeeding
amphetamines
heroin
Mysoline
antimetabolite drugs (anti-cancer drugs)
Lindane
nicotine
cocaine
marijuana
Parlodel
cyclosporine
methotrexate
PCP


radioactive drugs for diagnostic tests*
* May need to stop breastfeeding temporarily. Consult a nuclear medicine specialist.