When you are nursing, every drug you take, your baby takes as well – so you need to be very careful what drugs you take. That doesn’t mean you can’t take anything. Here are a few tips when picking a drug at a drug store – Over The Counter (OTC) drugs:

  • Only take a medicine if you REALLY need it.
  • Take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.
  • Avoid extra-strength and “sustained-release” formulas.
  • When possible, use one ingredient medicines rather than multi-symptom formulas. For example, if you only have a cough, use a plain cough suppressant rather than a cough suppressant with a decongestant.
  • Watch for signs of a possible drug reaction in your baby such as sleepiness, rashes, diarrhea, or colic. Call your provider if you see such changes.

Always read the label or package insert; it will say if a drug is unsafe for a nursing mother. If you are unsure, ask the pharmacist or call your provider.

These OTC medications are considered safe to take in standard doses when you’re breastfeeding

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Allegra
  • Aspirin
  • Benadryl
  • Benylin
  • Claritin (but not Claritin D)
  • Delsym
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Imodium, Imodium A-D
  • Kaopectate II Caplets
  • Maalox Antidiarrheal
  • Mucinex
  • Pepto Diarrhea Control
  • Robitussin
  • Sudafed
  • Triaminic Expectorant
  • Vicks 44
  • Zyrtec

This is not a complete list.  Always read the label or package insert; it will say if a drug is unsafe for a nursing mother. If you are unsure, ask the pharmacist or call your doctor.

Source: babycenter.com