Frequently Asked Q&A
Is it okay to use medicine while breastfeeding? What effect does it have on the baby? We will focus on frequently asked questions.
* Depending on the condition of the mother or baby, it may not be advisable to use even medicines that can be used during breastfeeding. Your doctor or obstetrician should be your first choice regarding the use of medications while breastfeeding.
*Explains the use of over-the-counter drugs.
Q: Should I stop breastfeeding after taking medicine?
A: There are some medicines that require you to stop breastfeeding and others that you don't have to.
For medicine,
・Things that do not pass into breast milk
・Things that are difficult to transfer to breast milk
・Things that have little effect even if transferred to breast milk
there is.
At hospitals, doctors judge these and prescribe medicine, but I think that in most cases when it comes to over-the-counter drugs, they make their own decisions.
In such cases, please consult with a drug specialist such as a pharmacist or registered drug distributor.
Some over-the-counter medicines can be used while breastfeeding.
- Frequently asked questions about medicines -
・ Oral medicine: therapeutic drug
・ Oral medicine: Health medicine
·External medicine
・Poultice
Types of medicines and what to do while breastfeeding
<Oral medicine: therapeutic drug>
Example) antipyretic analgesics, cold medicines, rhinitis medicines, cough medicines, gastrointestinal medicines, laxatives, etc.
→ Let's consult an expert .
May contain ingredients that pass during breastfeeding and may affect your baby.
<Oral medicine: health medicine>
Example) vitamins, calcium, iron, etc.
→ Choose a product that has "during breastfeeding and lactation period" in the efficacy and effect, such as "nutrition during breastfeeding".
<External medicine>
Examples) Eczema medicine, wound medicine, acne medicine, eye drops (with some exceptions)
→ You can use it without any problem .
Avoid areas where your baby might lick the ointment, such as near the breast.
Do not use eye drops that contain pranoprofen. !
It is included in eye drops used for allergies such as hay fever. Do not use products containing this ingredient.
Other topical medicines (insect bites, athlete's foot medicine, etc.) may or may not be used depending on the product. Talk to an expert.
<Poultice>
Choose one that does not contain pain relievers .
・Pain-relieving ingredients: indomethacin, felbinac, diclofenac, loxoprofen, etc.
I think there are many people who have more opportunities to hold a baby, such as breastfeeding, and hurt their lower back.
You can use products that do not contain pain-relieving ingredients, but if symptoms do not improve after using them several times, please see a doctor .
Drugs and package inserts
Q: Is there a way to judge by yourself without consulting an expert?
A: Check the instruction manual of the medicine and confirm "things you should not drink".
If you have no choice but to decide on your own whether or not to use the medicine, please check the "Precautions for use" in the instruction manual (package insert) of the medicine.
→ If there is a description of "lactating" here, do not use the medicine!
Example) Cold medicine
→ If there is a description of "lactating" here, it may be better to avoid using it depending on the symptoms and condition of the mother.
It's not that you should never drink, but it's best to consult an expert.
There are some medicines that do not recommend use on the manufacturer's website, etc., even if there is no mention of "lactating" in either of these. I think that there are many cases where it is difficult to judge whether it is safe to drink, so it is better to consult a specialist.
Regarding the availability of medicines,
① Consult your family doctor
②Consult with a pharmacist at the store or a registered drug seller
③ Thoroughly check the instruction manual (attachment) of the medicine
Let's check in order.