Can I take medicine while breastfeeding?
- Nina G
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
Almost any drug that's present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk. As a result, every medication must be considered separately.
What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?
With your health care provider's input, consider this list of medications found to be safe during breastfeeding. Keep in mind that this isn't a full list of safe medications.
Pain relievers
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only
Antimicrobial medications
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Miconazole (Monistat 3, Monistat 7, others) — apply minimal amount
Clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF) — apply minimal amount
Penicillins, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin
Cephalosporins, such as cephalexin
Antihistamines
Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert, others)
Fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy)
Decongestants
Medications containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Zyrtec D) — use with caution because pseudoephedrine can decrease milk supply
Birth control
Progestin-only contraceptives, also known as the minipill
Combination contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin — discuss this option with your provider
*Researchers don't have a final answer about whether combination contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin affect milk production. Talk to your health care provider before taking this type of birth control while breastfeeding.
Gastrointestinal medications
Famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac 360)
Antidepressants
Paroxetine (Paxil, Brisdelle, others)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Constipation medications
Docusate (Colace, Phillips' Stool Softener, others)
When you're taking medication, watch your baby for any changes in eating or sleeping habits, fussiness, or a rash. If you notice any change in your baby's behavior, contact your child's health care provider.
Do infants' health and age determine how they may be affected by medication in breast milk?
Yes. Exposure to medication in breast milk poses the greatest risk to premature babies, newborns, and babies who are medically unstable or have problems with kidney function.
However, medications used in the two days after childbirth transfer at very low levels to your infant. That's because you produce a limited volume of breast milk during this time.
The risk is lowest for healthy babies 6 months and older. At this age, drugs metabolize through infants' bodies efficiently.
Should I stop breastfeeding while taking medication?
Most medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. Also, the benefit of continuing a medication for a chronic condition may outweigh any potential risks.
Still, a few medications aren't safe to take while breastfeeding. If you're taking a medication that could be harmful to your baby, your health care provider might recommend an alternative drug. Or they might recommend breastfeeding when the medication is at a low level in your breast milk.
Sometimes your health care provider might recommend that you stop breastfeeding temporarily or permanently. The recommendation can depend on how long you need to take the drug. If you know in advance, you can pump in addition to breastfeeding and store expressed milk. Then use the stored breast milk once you begin taking the drug.
If you need to stop breastfeeding only temporarily, use a double electric breast pump to keep up your milk supply until you're able to breastfeed again. Throw away the milk you pump while you're taking the medication.
If you're not sure if a medication is safe while breastfeeding, pump, label and store expressed breast milk until you check with your health care provider. If you need to stop breastfeeding permanently — which is unusual — ask your health care provider about weaning and to help you choose an infant formula.
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