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. | ||
