Can You Take Cough Medicine While Nursing?

Taking medication to subdue a cough or cold while breastfeeding is a touchy subject, but generally is safe for the most part. Your physician may or may not approve the use of cough medicine for you if you are nursing, but that depends on the doctor. There are many rules to live by when you are feeding your baby directly from your body's natural milk, so taking every precaution necessary is a must.

Robitussin

The most popular cough remedy for a breastfeeding mother is Robitussin, but once again make sure it is approved by your physician. With anything you are putting into your body, make sure you check the ingredients list if you are going to buy generic forms of any medication. You want to avoid higher alcohol content and menthol as both will slow down milk production. It is also important to take the medicine after your baby feeds and not before as less medication will be processed with the milk. The amount of alcohol ingested is not enough to harm the baby, but do not abuse the medicine.

Sprays and Lozenges

Throat sprays and lozenges are generally safe to use while breastfeeding. The one thing to avoid is using lozenges that have an excessive amount of menthol as the active ingredient. Menthol slows milk production and therefore is not good for a nursing mother.

Codeine

For pain, codeine is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a suitable way to find relief. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, Advil and Tylenol, are also considered safe to use while nursing. Aspirin is to be avoided as it will increase the risk of Reye's syndrome and internal bleeding in the infant.

Nasal Sprays and Eye Drops

Most, if not all nasal sprays, are considered to be safe. Afrin is safe to use while nursing, but Afrin overuse can result in dependency. Eye drops are also on the same level as nasal sprays; they are safe to use, but overuse is cautioned against. Before using either nasal spray or eye drops, you need to talk to your physician about which one is recommended or if it is even an option.

Natural Remedies

Herbal tea, garlic and honey are the best alternatives when it comes to battling a cough. Chamomile tea steeped for one minute with honey and lemon juice will battle a cough better than some prescribed medications, so give those homeopathic remedies a chance.