Can you take advil while breastfeeding
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Can You Take Advil While Breastfeeding?
Introduction to Medication Safety During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal method of infant nutrition, providing essential nutrients and immune protection. However, the use of medications during lactation can be a source of concern for many mothers. Understanding the safety of common medications, such as Advil (ibuprofen), is crucial for ensuring both maternal health and infant safety.
Ibuprofen and Breastfeeding Safety
Pharmacokinetics and Lactational Risk
Ibuprofen, commonly known by the brand name Advil, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. According to current research, ibuprofen is considered one of the preferred analgesics for breastfeeding mothers due to its low risk profile. The amount of ibuprofen that passes into breast milk is minimal, and it is unlikely to affect the breastfed infant adversely3.
Recommendations from Health Authorities
Authoritative resources such as LactMed, a government-sponsored database, provide comprehensive safety information on various medications during lactation. These resources consistently indicate that ibuprofen is safe for use during breastfeeding, with no significant adverse effects reported in breastfed infants3. Health professionals often recommend ibuprofen over other analgesics, such as opioids, which have a higher risk of causing sedation in infants3.
General Considerations for Medication Use During Lactation
Importance of Accurate Information
The decision to use any medication during breastfeeding should be guided by accurate and up-to-date information. Studies have shown that health professionals, including general practitioners and pharmacists, often have variable knowledge and practices regarding medication safety in breastfeeding. This variability can lead to inconsistent advice and unnecessary cessation of breastfeeding5 8.
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) in Breastfed Infants
While adverse drug reactions in breastfed infants are generally rare, they can occur. A study involving breastfeeding mothers reported that antibiotics and opioids were the most common drugs associated with adverse reactions in infants. However, ibuprofen was not among the medications frequently linked to adverse effects4.
Conclusion
In summary, ibuprofen (Advil) is considered safe for use during breastfeeding. The minimal transfer of the drug into breast milk and the low risk of adverse effects make it a preferred choice for managing pain and inflammation in lactating mothers. As always, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new medication to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and infant.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Antidepressant drugs and breastfeeding: a review of the literature.
Most antidepressants are not contraindicated during breastfeeding, with selective serotinin reuptake inhibitors and nortryptiline showing better safety profiles, while fluoxetine should be used cautiously and tricyclic doxepine and atypical nefazodone should be avoided.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedMood stabilizers and antipsychotics during breastfeeding: Focus on bipolar disorder
Lithium is a safe mood stabilizer for breastfeeding, while quetiapine and olanzapine are recommended for first-line treatment of bipolar disorder, with risperidone potentially compatible under medical supervision.
Systematic ReviewMedication Safety in Breastfeeding.
Select medications with the lowest risk to the infant and dosing before the infant's longest sleep interval.
Adverse Drug Reactions in Breastfed Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study of Lactating Mothers.
Common breastfeeding-related infant adverse drug reactions are underreported, with antibiotics and opioids being the most common cause.
Observational StudyKnowledge, attitudes and practices of health professionals and women towards medication use in breastfeeding: A review
General practitioners and pharmacists have poor knowledge but positive attitudes towards medication use in breastfeeding, relying on potential risks to infants rather than drug compatibility.
Literature Review
Rigorous JournalAntidepressant Use During Breastfeeding
Infant exposure to newer antidepressants is generally low to very low, so breastfeeding should not be discontinued when antidepressant treatment is indicated for postpartum depression.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedBreastfeeding and the use of psychotropic medication: a review.
Psychotropic drugs pass into breast milk, but the doses are small and breastfeeding is generally advised against due to inadequate research on their excretion and effects on infants.
Literature ReviewWhy does the need for medication become a barrier to breastfeeding? A narrative review.
Poor quality of information about medicine safety during lactation can lead to confusion, leading to early cessation of breastfeeding or inadequate healthcare for breastfeeding women.
Systematic ReviewMedicines for breastfeeding women: a postal survey of general practitioners in Victoria
General practitioners in Victoria are confident in prescribing for breastfeeding women, but many may not be aware that ibuprofen is considered safe for breastfeeding women.
Observational Study