Cold medicine while breastfeeding

cassiem51

Waiting on a call back from pediatrician office, but does anyone have a recommendation for cold medicine to take while breastfeeding? I've read to avoid multi-symptom medications but I have a runny nose, sneezing, cough,and headache. I feel miserable! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

desertsun

https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/cold-remedy/ 

cassiem51

desertsun said:

https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/cold-remedy/ 

Thanks, I actually read that already but dont understand if I should take a cough medication and something separate for runny nose/sneezing our if there is a safe cold medication.

SkateyC

There's a website and app called LactMed that has really great info on medications & breastfeeding. You can search by medication name or type for info on safety.

cassiem51

SkateyC said:

There's a website and app called LactMed that has really great info on medications & breastfeeding. You can search by medication name or type for info on safety.

thank you! I remember hearing about that and never actually look at it.

Jessie333

All I know is you should avoid any decongestants because they can dry up your milk supply.

bowlwoman

Jessie333 said:

All I know is you should avoid any decongestants because they can dry up your milk supply.

Yup. My sister took a single sudafed when bfing my nephew and she went from pumping 5 oz to 1 oz overnight. I've even stopped taking my Zyrtec just in case.

desertsun

cassiem51 said:

https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/cold-remedy/ 

Thanks, I actually read that already but dont understand if I should take a cough medication and something separate for runny nose/sneezing our if there is a safe cold medication.

@cassiem51, I would take an antihistamine for the nasal symptoms. I habitually take claritin and benadryl while pregnant and nursing, and am comfortable with those for myself. 

For cough, a humidifier will help loosen mucus and make coughs more productive. Honey, hot water, and lemon together can also soothe your throat and help ease coughing. 

As far as OTC medications, there are so many different combinations in cold medicines that I prefer to check ingredients lists in the store before buying.

But for cough suppressant, dextromethorphan. For mucus loosening, mucinex (guaifenesin). If you're looking at a multi-ingredient medicine, I would prefer phenyephrine over pseudoephedrine as a decongestant. Those are the OTC meds I am most comfortable using if I really need to while sick.

Hope that helps and that you're feeling better soon!

kirstey728

If you can try exercise... Stimulating your bronchioles like that can help loosen mucus too.

cassiem51

desertsun said:

cassiem51 said:

desertsun said:

https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/cold-remedy/ 

Thanks, I actually read that already but dont understand if I should take a cough medication and something separate for runny nose/sneezing our if there is a safe cold medication.

@cassiem51, I would take an antihistamine for the nasal symptoms. I habitually take claritin and benadryl while pregnant and nursing, and am comfortable with those for myself. 

For cough, a humidifier will help loosen mucus and make coughs more productive. Honey, hot water, and lemon together can also soothe your throat and help ease coughing. 

As far as OTC medications, there are so many different combinations in cold medicines that I prefer to check ingredients lists in the store before buying.

But for cough suppressant, dextromethorphan. For mucus loosening, mucinex (guaifenesin). If you're looking at a multi-ingredient medicine, I would prefer phenyephrine over pseudoephedrine as a decongestant. Those are the OTC meds I am most comfortable using if I really need to while sick.

Hope that helps and that you're feeling better soon!

Thanks that helps!