Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original while Breastfeeding
Most health expert recommend six month of exclusive breastfeeding but statics suggest that numbers are not good, almost 95% mothers start breastfeeding but this number drops to 40% in first three month and further it drops to 15% till fifth month. Sometime its due to need of medication usage. Because of these statics its important to provide good information on safety of drugs in breastfeeding so that it can be improved when possible. In this FAQ sheet we will discuss about exposure to Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original while breastfeeding. We will also discuss about common side effects and warnings associated with Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original.

What is Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original used for?


Uses · temporarily relieves these symptoms due to a cold: · minor aches and pains · headache · runny nose · nasal and sinus congestion · sneezing · sore throat · temporarily reduces fever

Brief: Pain reliever/fever reducer Antihistamine Nasal decongestant

What are the risk associated with Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original usage while breastfeeding? What precautions shall I take while using it in breastfeeding?

Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original low risk for breastfeeding
Task to evaluate the effect of Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original is quite difficult as it consist mainly 3 ingredients. However we have analyzed all 3 active ingredients and have reached a conclusion that Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original poses low risk while breastfeeding. Below we have summarized our analysis of each 3 ingredients.

Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original Breastfeeding Analsys


Aspirin while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 50-78-2

Excreted in non-significant amount into breast milk. Reye’s Syndrome has never been reported due to ASA through breast milk. It is thought to be highly unlikely to occur after isolated or small doses like those used for treatment of thrombosis or anti-abortion therapy. At high maternal dose, one case (dubious) of salicylic intoxication in the neonatal period and another case of thrombocytopenia in an infant have been reported. Likelihood of hemolysis should be considered in those patients with G6PD-deficiency. WHO Model List of Essential Medication: compatible while breastfeeding when used occasionally or small dose for antithrombotic prophylaxis management.

Phenylephrine bitartrate while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 59-42-7

Used on topical decongestant solutions for nose drops at low concentration. 10% midriatic eye drops are available. Because low concentration is used on nose and ophtalmic drops a significant excretion into breast milk is unlikely. Low oral biodisponibility minimizes any risk of harmful effect in the infant. Authorized for nasal or ophtalmic use on children aged younger than 1 year. Although on latest update relevant data on breastfeeding was not found it is considered to be safe when minimal dose is used. Avoid excessive or long term use. A related drug Pseudoephedrine can inhibit milk production. It would be advisable to press on the lachrimal sac to minimize absorption.

Chlorpheniramine maleate while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 132-22-9

First generation antihistaminic and alchylamine drug, with sedative effect. Its active isomer is Dexchlorfeniramine. Likely inhibition of lactation within the first weeks post delivery because anti-prolactin effect.. Short-term and low dose (2 mg one or twice-day) treatment is compatible with breastfeeding. Be aware of somnolence in the child. For long-term treatment an alternative drug should be preferred. Compounds in association with expectorants, corticoids and cough relief medicines are available. Avoid drug associations especially while breastfeeding. Follow-up for sedation and feeding ability of the infant. Bed-sharing is not recommended for mothers who are taking this medication.


Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Aspirin while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 50-78-2

After aspirin ingestion, salicylic acid is excreted into breastmilk, with higher doses resulting in disproportionately higher milk levels. Long-term, high-dose maternal aspirin ingestion probably caused metabolic acidosis in one breastfed infant. Reye's syndrome is associated with aspirin administration to infants with viral infections, but the risk of Reye's syndrome from salicylate in breastmilk is unknown. An alternate drug is preferred over continuous high-dose, aspirin therapy. After daily low-dose aspiring (75 to 325 mg daily), no aspirin is excreted into breastmilk and salicylate levels are low. Daily low-dose aspirin therapy may be considered as an antiplatelet drug for use in breastfeeding women.[1][2][3].

Phenylephrine bitartrate while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 59-42-7

The oral bioavailability of phenylephrine is only about 40%,[1] so the drug is unlikely to reach the infant in large amounts. However, intravenous or oral administration of phenylephrine might decrease milk production. Because no information is available on the use of oral phenylephrine during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.Phenylephrine nasal spray or ophthalmic drops are less likely to decrease lactation. To substantially diminish the effect of the drug after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.

Chlorpheniramine maleate while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 132-22-9

Small (2 to 4 mg), occasional doses of chlorpheniramine are acceptable during breastfeeding. Larger doses or more prolonged use might cause effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as spseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established. Single bedtime doses after the last feeding of the day may be adequate for many women and will minimize any effects of the drug. The nonsedating antihistamines are preferred alternatives, though.



What should I do if already breastfed my kid after using Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original?

Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original is in the category of low risk, if you have already used it then its not a big deal if health and behavior of baby is good. However your health care provider shall be aware of the fact that you have used Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original so you should inform him based on your convenience.


My health care provider has asked me to use Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original, what to do?

Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original comes in category of low risk and if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding it should be ok to use without much concerns.


If I am using Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much monitoring required while using Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Alka-seltzer Plus Cold Sparkling Original in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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