We are getting into the winter here in Charleston, SC so the cold season is right around the corner. Breastfeeding mother’s have to be careful what medications they take while breastfeeding for 2 reasons the first to ensure safe drugs for their babies to receive via their breast milk and secondly to stay away from medications that dry up mucus. Medications that dry up mucus can also dry up breast milk. Here is a list of medications in alphabetical order that are safe for your baby and have the least likely effects on a milk supply.
Alka Seltzer plus mucus Robitussin cough and congestion liquid
Cepacol throat spray Robitussin cough
Comtrex deep chest cold and congestion relief Robitussin DM cough suppressant lozenges
Coricidin cold and flu tablets Sucrets cough suppressant lozenges
Dayquil mucus control Theraflu flu and chest liquid
Delsym 12 hour cough relief liquid Triaminic cough and sore throat liquid
Dimetap long acting cold and elixir Triaminic long acting cough
Mucinex Vicks 44 Formula
Mucinex DM expectorant/cough Vicks Dayquil cough liquid
The ingredients to use sparingly or to avoid all together are diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine
References for the above information was obtained from Medication and Mother’s Milk 2014, written by Dr. Thomas Hale and Hilary Rowe, Pharm D, Hale Publishing L.P.