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Breastfeeding Home > Resources > Breastfeeding Resource Handbook Table of Contents > Maternal Medications Sometimes Used On The Postpartum Floor and Their Effect on the Breastfeeding Infant Maternal Medications Sometimes Used On The Postpartum Floor and Their Effect on the Breastfeeding Infant



If a woman needs some of these medications, it is usually compatible with Breastfeeding.

Analgesic (*with narcotic) [See Anti-inflammatory]
Darvocet (Propoxyphene)
Methadone*
Morphine*
Percocet (Acetaminophen and Oxycodone)*
Percodan, Tylox (Oxycodone)*
Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Tylenol with Codeine*

Antacids
Pepcid (Famotidine)
Tagamet (Cimetidine)

Antibiotic
Amoxicillin
Ampicillin
Ancef , Kefzol (Cefazolin)
Diflucan (Fluconazole)
Gentamicin
Keflex (Cephalexin)
Unasyn (Sulbactam)
Zithromax (Azithromycin)

Anticoagulant
Coumadin (Warfarin)
Heparin

Anticonvulsant
Dilantin (Phenytoin)
Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)

Antiflatulent
Simethicone

Antihistamine Some women report a decreased milk supply.
Allegra (Fexofenadine)
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Claritin (Loratadine)
Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Antihypertensive
Aldomet (Methyldopa)
Hydralazine (Apresoline)
Observe infant for hypotension, sedation, and weakness.

Anti-inflammatory
Advil, Motrin, Nuprin (Ibuprofen)
Naproxen (Naprosyn)
Tolectin (Tolmetin)

Beta Blocker
Inderal (Propranolol)
Observe infant for decreased breathing,
low blood sugar, and weakness

Bronchodilator
Aminophylline (Theophylline)
Not contraindicated, but may cause
irritability in the nursing infant.
Brethine (Terbutaline)
Proventil, Ventolin (Albuterol)

Calcium Channel Blocker
Procardia (Nifedipine)
Cardiac Glycoside
Digoxin

Thyroid Supplement
Synthroid (Levothyroxine)

Laxatives (Short term use is OK.)
Colace
Doxidan
Dulcolax (Bisacodyl)
Metamucil
Peri-Colace
Senokot (Senna)
Surfak (Docusate Calcium)

Short term or occasional use is OK. These medications may be a concern for breastfeeding babies when used for prolonged therapy.

Aspirin* (Ibuprofen is preferred).
Methergine
Phenobarbital* (Observe the infant for sedation, and measure amount in the infant.)
Prednisone
Reglan (Metaclopramide) May improve lactation, but limit therapy to just a few weeks. Refer to IBCLC for correct dosage guidelines
       *Drugs that have been associated with significant effects on some nursing infants.

Drugs whose Effect on Breastfeeding Infants are Unknown and May be of Concern

Dalmane (Flurazepam) Observe infant for constipation or sedation.
Demerol (Meperidine)
Flagyl (Metronidazole)
SSRI Group (Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft)
Valium (Diazepam) Observe infant for sedation and weight loss.
Hormonal Birth Control Methods may reduce milk supply Not the first choice for breastfeeding women. If using, wait for at least six weeks until the milk supply is well established, and monitor the baby closely for weight gain. Non-hormonal birth control is preferred.

Drug warm line at the Lactation Center at the University of Rochester 716-275-0088

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