Medicines whilst breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and indisputable. In most cases, they outweigh the hypothetical risk of the baby’s health being affected by the use of medication. Most medicines pass into breast milk, but often in such small quantities that they are unlikely to cause any harm.

When considering whether a mother should take medication shortly after giving birth, we also take into account the intensity of lactation. During the first two days, breastfeeding is only just getting underway; the newborn drinks only a few millilitres at a time, so it is possible to be a little more lenient with regard to medication. 

Medicines that can be taken safely whilst breastfeeding

• Pain and fever:
  • Paracetamol (e.g. Paralen, Panadol) – the first-choice medicine, maximum 6 tablets per day.
  • Ibuprofen (e.g. Ibalgin, Brufen) – passes into breast milk in extremely low concentrations.
• Colds:
  • Local treatment: Gargling with a saline solution, Vincentka (solution and lozenges), Iceland moss or a Priessnitz wrap.
  • Cough: Herbal preparations (Hedelix, Prospan) or plantain syrup. Wet cough: Ambroxol (e.g. Mucosolvan, Ambrosan): Considered safe; very little passes into breast milk. Bromhexine: Also a safe option for short-term use. Acetylcysteine (e.g. ACC Long, Mucobene): Passes into breast milk minimally; compatible with breastfeeding. Dry cough: Butamirate (e.g. Stoptussin, Sinecod): A very commonly recommended and safe option during breastfeeding. Stoptussin also combines a cough-suppressing agent with an expectorant.
  • Runny nose: Sea water (sprays) or Vincentka nasal drops.  Nasal decongestant sprays, e.g. oxymetazoline (e.g. Nasivin) or xylometazoline (e.g. Olynth, Otrivin), are considered safe during breastfeeding provided the recommended dosage (max. 3 times a day) and duration of use (max. 5–7 days) are adhered to.
• Allergies:
  • Second-generation antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness, such as Loratadine (e.g. Claritine) or Cetirizine (e.g. Zyrtec), are preferred.
• Digestive problems:
  • Diarrhoea: Substances such as Loperamide (Imodium) are generally safe. Smecta (diosmectite) – a natural clay that binds to harmful substances and is excreted from the body naturally. Enterol – probiotic yeast suitable for infectious diarrhoea. Activated charcoal (Carbo medicinalis) – a safe classic that acts only in the gut
  • Constipation: Lactulose: (e.g. Lactulosa, Duphalac) – softens stools, is not absorbed, very safe. Glycerine suppositories: Act only locally in the rectum, with no risk to breastfeeding. Fibre: (e.g. Psyllium) – a natural remedy that does not affect breast milk in any way.
  • Bloating: Simethicone: (e.g. Espumisan) – is the ideal choice, is not absorbed and has no effect on the baby.
  • Heartburn: Antacids: Rennie, Gaviscon, Maalox – are considered completely safe. H2 receptor blockers: Famotidine (e.g. Famosan) – passes into breast milk only minimally; short-term use is safe.
• Iron supplements, e.g.: Tardyferon fol, Sorbifer, Maltofer, Globifer, Ferrocento, Sideral and others.

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding any medicines not listed here.