14/09/2022
Flu medicine during breastfeeding
Flu is a common viral infection in winter. During breastfeeding, it is generally safe to use medicine to treat the symptoms caused by flu. The typical symptoms of flu include a sudden high temperature, shivering, a cough, a sore throat, a headache, aching limbs, a runny or blocked nose and dizziness. Patients need to be careful when using medicine to treat flu while breastfeeding because not all flu medicines are safe for breastfeeding mothers to take
Treating the symptoms caused by flu
Flu is an infectious viral disease spread by the influenza A and B viruses. Flu can last for up to two weeks and mild cases without any complications can easily be mistaken for a cold.
Flu medicine during breastfeeding
During breastfeeding, it is generally safe to use medicine to treat the typical symptoms of flu. Flu can be treated using a range of different medicines or active ingredients. You may have questions about how safe these medicines are while breastfeeding:
- Neuraminidase inhibitors, e.g. oseltamivir (Ebilfumin, Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Dectova, Relenza)
- Ibuprofen (Aktren, Dolormin, etc.), acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, etc.)
- Paracetamol (Ben-u-ron, etc.)
- Cough suppressants, e.g. dextromethorphan (Wick MediNait, Hustenstiller-Ratiopharm, etc.), codeine (Gelonida, Talvosilen, Tussoret, etc.), noscapine (Capval), dihydrocodeine (Paracodin), dropropizine (Larylin), levodropropizine (Quimbo)
- Cough expectorants, e.g. ambroxol (Mucosolvan, etc.), acetylcysteine (Fluimucil, NAC- Ratiopharm, etc.)
- Ephedrine (Rhinopront, Wick MediNait, etc.), pseudoephedrine (Aspirin Complex, Wick DuoGrippal, etc.)
- Herbal medicines, e.g. echinacea (Echinacin tablets, Madaus, etc.), pelargonium root (Umckaloabo), ribwort (Broncho-Sern), marshmallow root (Phytohustil), Iceland moss (Aspecton, Isla-Moos), ivy leaves (Hedelix, ProspanÒ), thyme (Bronchicum, Soledum, etc.), primrose root (Bronchipret, Phytobronchin, Heumann Bronchialtee)
- Nasal sprays, e.g. oxymetazoline (Nasivin), xylometazoline (Olynth, Schnupfen Endrine), Emser salt (Emser nasal spray)
Risks of flu medicines during breastfeeding
Taking flu 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 flu medicine while 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, medicines that are safe to take while breastfeeding, making them the preferred treatment option.
Find out whether your flu medicine is safe for you and your baby while you are breastfeeding
- Gain comprehensive information on the risks and safety of your flu medicine while you are breastfeeding.
- Make decisions on the basis of trustworthy information on flu medicines..
- Receive a written report summarising your personal flu medicine consultation and share it with your doctor./li>
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