Cough And Cold Plus Breastfeeding
Modern medicine has evolved so much so that sooner or later every breastfeeding mother needs to take it in one form or other. Medication that is present in mothers blood will transfer into her breast milk to some extent. Most drugs do so at low levels and pose no real risk to infants but then there are some exceptions. In This post will discuss whether Cough And Cold Plus is safe in breast-feeding or not.

What is Cough And Cold Plus used for?


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

Brief: Pain reliever/fever reducer Antihistamine Cough suppressant Nasal decongestant

Is Cough And Cold Plus usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Cough And Cold Plus low risk for breastfeeding
Task to evaluate the effect of Cough And Cold Plus is quite difficult as it consist mainly 4 ingredients. However we have analyzed all 4 active ingredients and have reached a conclusion that Cough And Cold Plus poses low risk while breastfeeding. Below we have summarized our analysis of each 4 ingredients.

Cough And Cold Plus Breastfeeding Analsys


Acetaminophen while Breastfeeding

Safe

CAS Number: 103-90-2

Excreted in very low amount into breast milk. Infant intake may be lower than 4% of usual pediatric dose. The American Academy of Pediatrics rates it as compatible with Breastfeeding.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride 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.

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide while Breastfeeding

Safe

CAS Number: 125-71-3

Cough suppressant related with morphine and codeine which is lacking of analgesic or sedative properties. Commonly prescribed by pediatricians. On latest update relevant data on breastfeeding was not found. Because reported low toxicity and mild side effect it is considered to be safe while breastfeeding. Frequently associated to caffeine and other products that are usually compatible with breastfeeding. Avoid use of multiple drug and alcohol containing medication.


Cough And Cold Plus Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Acetaminophen while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 103-90-2

Acetaminophen is a good choice for analgesia, and fever reduction in nursing mothers. Amounts in milk are much less than doses usually given to infants. Adverse effects in breastfed infants appear to be rare.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride 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.

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 125-71-3

Neither the excretion of dextromethorphan in milk nor its effect on breastfed infants have been studied. It is unlikely that with usual maternal doses amounts in breastmilk would harm the nursing infant, especially in infants over 2 months of age. It is best to avoid the use of products with a high alcohol content while nursing.



I am nursing mother and I have already used Cough And Cold Plus, what should I do?

Cough And Cold Plus 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 Cough And Cold Plus so you should inform him based on your convenience.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Cough And Cold Plus, is it safe?

Though Cough And Cold Plus dose not comes in category of safe drugs rather it comes in category of low risk but if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding your baby and has still recommended it then its advantages must be outweighing the risks.


If I am using Cough And Cold Plus, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much monitoring required while using Cough And Cold Plus


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Cough And Cold Plus 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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