Breastfeeding is a natural and highly recommended method to feed a newborn. When the mother is undergoing medical treatment, however, the medications that she is taking could make her breast milk toxic to her child. Hydrochlorothiazide is one such medication that poses a potential harm to nursing babies.
Prescribing Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medication used to combat high blood pressure and water retention in the body. A doctor may prescribe this medication to pregnant and nursing women.
Monitoring Hydrochlorothiazide Intake
Hydrochlorothiazide is one of several prescription medications that should be closely monitored, especially when prescribed to nursing mothers as it will pass into the breast milk.
Breast Milk Contamination
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that, though the amount of the hydrochlorothiazide may be low in the breast milk, drug regulations should look into banning this medication for nursing women due to the negative effects it may have on children.
Research
According to MayoClinic.com, there has not been a significant amount of research done on children to determine what the effects hydrochlorothiazide has on children. Because of this, doctors should prescribe the medication with caution.
Complications
Though the amount of hydrochlorothiazide is low in breast milk, the medication may still cause problems for the nursing infant. There are reported cases of infants experiencing low blood pressure, lethargy, diarrhea and constipation.
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