Taking Medicines while breastfeeding

MEDICINES TO TREAT PAIN OR FEVER (ANALGESICS.)

ASPIRIN.
There is a risk of a condition called Reyes Syndrome if your child is exposed to aspirin at a young age. It is suggested that you avoid all products that contain aspirin to prevent unnecessary exposure to your child.

CODEINE.
Codeine is found in stronger combination medicines for pain. It may also be found in certain cough mixtures. Reports have shown adverse effects have occurred in children who have been breast fed while the mum has taken codeine based medicines. These adverse effects include:

• Tiredness
• Lack of energy
• Poor feeding
• Slow heart rate
• Trouble breathing

It is recommended that you try medicines that do not contain codeine first and if you do require stronger pain relief to seek advice from your doctor.

IBUPROFEN.
Ibuprofen is used to treat inflammation, sprains and fever. It can be purchased as a tablet, liquid or topically as a cream or gel form from your Pharmacy or Supermarket. It may be found in combination with other drugs such as:

NUROFEN PLUS (contains codeine)
SOLPAFLEX (contains codeine)

Ibuprofen on its own is safe to use while breastfeeding but is for short term use only. You should avoid Ibuprofen if you have asthma or if you have had problems with heart burn or indigestion. If the pain you are treating persists you should seek advice.

PARACETAMOL.
On its own, Paracetamol is safe to use for pain or fever. However, it can also be found in combination with other drugs which should be avoided such as:

ALKERSELTZER (contains aspirin – avoid)
ANADIN EXTRA, ANADIN ORIGINAL (avoid - contains aspirin)
CO-CODAMOL (contains codeine - avoid if possible)
DISPRIN (contains aspirin – avoid)
FEMINAX (contains codeine, hyoscine)
MIGRALEVE (contains codeine)
PANADOL EXTRA, PANADOL NIGHTPAIN, PANADOL ULTRA PARACODOL (contains codeine)
PARAMOL (contains dihydrocodeine)
PROPAIN (contains codeine, diphenhydramine)
SOLDADEINE (contains codeine)
SYNDOL (contains codeine, doxylamine)
VEGANIN (contains codeine)

It can also be found in cough/cold remedies such as:

The BEECHAMS, BENYLIN, DAY AND NIGHT, LEMSIP ranges
DAY NURSE and NIGHT NURSE NON-DROWSY SINUTAB, NUROFEN COLD AND FLU SUDAFED COLD AND FLU, DUEL RELIEF

These medicines may not be safe for your child if you take them during the breast feeding stage of your child’s development. It is a good idea to speak to your Pharmacist if you need to take medicines for pain or fever, coughs or colds.