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Can I take Paracetamol while breastfeeding?

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

A common question during breastfeeding are the medications that the mother is allowed to take and those that are prohibited during breastfeeding. For example, can I take paracetamol while breastfeeding ? It is a very recurrent question, since this medicine is indicated to alleviate many discomforts.

If you are breastfeeding or there is little left for your baby to be born, this FastlyHealarticle will interest you. Read on and learn more details about this drug and whether it is advisable to take it while breastfeeding.

Lactation and Paracetamol

Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic that is given for illnesses such as body aches, flu sickness and fever. Its active principle is acetaminophen and it is the one most recommended by doctors when there is suspicion of another type of disease. For example, tropical diseases like dengue and Zika .

Unlike ibuprofen , which is another common drug for pain, acetaminophen is not anti – inflammatory. Some specialists contraindicate the consumption of ibuprofen during the lactation period because it has a greater effect on the body. In addition, it tends to pass more content through breast milk. In these cases, ibuprofen should only be given under strict medical observation.

Paracetamol acts directly on nerve endings, inhibiting pain. In the same way, it works on the brain’s receptors, which makes it more effective against headaches. It can be given to both adults and children, providing the appropriate dose. In addition, it is compatible with most antibiotics and influenza.

Can I take paracetamol while breastfeeding?

There is a common premise that is of great help to nursing mothers when it comes to knowing whether or not they can take a medicine. If the doctor authorizes the use of the drug in the baby, then it is safe for the mother.

In the case of paracetamol , this medicine is recommended during lactation . Without major risks, the mother can take paracetamol while breastfeeding, it is even recommended as a treatment for postpartum pain. The reasons are because its passage through the milk is minimal and because it does not pose a risk to the baby . Unless you are allergic to the active ingredient.

The important thing when taking paracetamol is not to exceed your daily dose and always tell your doctor about this treatment. Under no circumstances should the mother or any other patient self-medicate.

What is paracetamol used for?

The most common uses of paracetamol are headaches or muscle pain . It also works very well against illnesses caused by the flu. It also has an antipyrectic effect to reduce fever.

The recommended dose is 500 to 650 mg every 8 hours and up to 1 g every 6 hours . Do not exceed 4 g of paracetamol daily, since after 6 g it is considered an overdose. Although it is known that very high doses are needed to cause damage to the body, excesses should be avoided.

Among the recognized side effects for paracetamol are hypersensitivity to its chemical component. As well as kidney and liver failure in cases of overdose. People with kidney problems should consume this drug under strict medical observation.

You can take Paracetamol while breastfeeding, what else?

Despite the myths, there are many medications a mother can take while breastfeeding . The most important thing in these cases is to always consult a specialist beforehand and avoid self-medication.

When prescribing medical treatment for a nursing mother, two variables are always taken into account. The first is that the medicine does not pose a risk to the baby or the mother. And second, that it does not affect milk production, which occasionally occurs with antibiotics and hormones such as estrogens.

Among the permitted medications are pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The latter only under medical prescription . In the case of antibiotics, those in common use such as amoxicillin, are also considered safe drugs. Similarly, some hormones such as corticosteroids and insulin are allowed.

On the other hand, there is another type of medicine such as antidepressants and some antihistamines that represent a medium risk . While the medicines given in cancer treatments or cardiovascular problems, they are completely prohibited during the lactation period . For example, aspirin, blood thinners and iodides, among others.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Can I take Paracetamol while breastfeeding? , we recommend that you enter our Pregnancy and baby health category .

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