drugs and breastfeeding

artsake

help me please!  i have the WORST cold right now, lots of sinus pressure, stuffy nose, and sore throat.  What can I take while breastfeeding?  i know i can look up ingredients on kelly mom, but i need opinions.  what works for you and is safe?

katlizabeth

I don't know about drugs, but a netti pot should help clear you out and relieve some of that sinus pressure.

iris427

Sudafed, Tylenol, Motrin, etc.

Eags

AmyG* said:

Dextromethorphan for cough,

guaifinesin (active ingredient in Mucinex) for sinus and chest congestion, it breaks it loose,

ibuprofen for pain relief, sore throat and sinus pain and swollen nasal passages,

Sudafed you should avoid, at least the kind that has plain pseudoephedrine, as it is related to lowered prolactin levels, which lowers your milk supply.  the new Sudafed PE is pretty safe but I find it does't do anything.

You can use Afrin nasal spray, but not for more than 3 days or your nose will have rebound stuffiness.

saline nose drops, netti pot,

humidifier,

raise the head of your bed

chicken soup and gatorade

extra sleep, extra fluids

you can use breastmilk up your nose too!

If you have runny nose and runny eyes you can try an antihistamine like Claritin, Zyrtec, allegra or benedryl.  they may make you feel dried, but they effect histamines and should not effect supply.  they may also make you sleepy so you can rest.

 

I tried Zyrtec or Claritin, I can't remember which one, and it started drying me up

Fwiw, an LC told me that it would probably be ok to use either and to just take half a pill for the first few days to see. So I may just be broken.

Eags

AmyG* said:

Dextromethorphan for cough,

guaifinesin (active ingredient in Mucinex) for sinus and chest congestion, it breaks it loose,

ibuprofen for pain relief, sore throat and sinus pain and swollen nasal passages,

Sudafed you should avoid, at least the kind that has plain pseudoephedrine, as it is related to lowered prolactin levels, which lowers your milk supply.  the new Sudafed PE is pretty safe but I find it does't do anything.

You can use Afrin nasal spray, but not for more than 3 days or your nose will have rebound stuffiness.

saline nose drops, netti pot,

humidifier,

raise the head of your bed

chicken soup and gatorade

extra sleep, extra fluids

you can use breastmilk up your nose too!

If you have runny nose and runny eyes you can try an antihistamine like Claritin, Zyrtec, allegra or benedryl.  they may make you feel dried, but they effect histamines and should not effect supply.  they may also make you sleepy so you can rest.

 

I tried Zyrtec or Claritin, I can't remember which one, and it started drying me up

Fwiw, an LC told me that it would probably be ok to use either and to just take half a pill for the first few days to see. So I may just be broken.

minervacullen

I take 2 clairitin daily for allergies. I've never had an issue.

I'd also suggest some zinc and vitamin D.
Hope you're feeling better!

smileybabyboy

kellymom.com is a great site and gives you a list of meds you can take. 

Jackiemxoxo

the lactmed app is a great resource for nursing and drug interactions. However, always ask a doc too but its good to have on hand.