06/09/2022
Cough medicine during breastfeeding
Coughing is a natural reflex that protects the lungs by removing germs, harmful materials and foreign particles from the airways. Acute coughs usually last no longer than three to four weeks. They are most commonly caused by infections in the upper airways. Chronic coughs, on the other hand, are coughs that last longer than eight weeks. Dry or unproductive coughs do not produce any mucus or phlegm, whereas wet or productive coughs do. During breastfeeding, it is generally safe to use medicine to trea t both dry and productive coughs where it is necessary to do so. Patients need to be careful when using medicine to treat a cough while breastfeeding because not all cough medicines are safe for breastfeeding mothers to take.
Causes of coughing
Coughing is caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane in the airways. Cold and flu viruses are the most common trigger of acute coughs. Other common causes of acute coughs include pneumonia, heart disease or breathing in irritants. Chronic cough s may be caused by smoking, long - term exposure to harmful substances or medical conditions such as asthma or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Cough medicine during breastfeeding
Generally speaking, acute coughs caused by a cold or the flu are not a cause for concern during breastfeeding and the symptoms subside after a few weeks. However, if the cough is persistent and irritating, it can be treated using medicine, even if you are breastfeeding. Coughs can be treated using a range of different medicines or active ingredients. You may have questions about how safe these medicines are while breastfeeding:
- Cough suppressants: dextromethorphan (Wick MediNait, Hustenstiller - Ratiopharm, etc.), codeine (Gelonida , Tal vosilen, Tussoret, etc.), noscapine (Capval), dihydrocodeine (Paracodin ), dropropizine (Larylin), levodropropizine (Quimbo)
- Cough expectorants: ambroxol (Mucosolvan, etc.), acetylcysteine (Fluimucil, NAC - Ratiopharm, etc.)
- Herbal medic ines, e.g. ribwort (Broncho - Sern), marshmallow root (Phytohustil), Iceland moss (Aspecton, Isla - Moos), ivy leaves (Hedelix, Prospan), thyme (Bronchicum, Soledum, etc.), primrose root (Bronchipret, Phytobronchin, Heumann Bronchialtee)
Risks of cough medicines during breastfeeding
Taking cough medicine while breastfeeding may cause various side effects, such as an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and dizziness. It is extremely important to choose the right cough medicine w hile breastfeeding since some medicines, such as codeine, are inadvisable (contraindicated) while breastfeeding because they may be passed on to the baby through breast milk, which may cause the baby to experience side effects such as drowsiness, feeding problems or respiratory depression. There are, however, cough medicines that are safe to take while breastfeeding, making them the preferred treatment option.
Find out whether your cough medicine is safe for you and your baby while you are breastfeeding
- Gain comprehensive information on the risks and safety of your cough medicine while you are breastfeeding.
- Make decisions on the basis of trustworthy information on cough medicines.
- Receive a written report summarising your personal cough medicine consultation and share it with your doctor.
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