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FDA Safe Drugs for Breastfeeding

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When looking for FDA safe drugs for breastfeeding, the truth of the matter is that most medications have not been tested in nursing women. So no one really knows exactly how a given drug will affect a breast-fed infant or child.

Since very few problems have been reported, however, most over-the-counter and prescription drugs are considered safe when taken in moderation and only when necessary.

Even mothers who must take daily medication for conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, or high blood pressure can usually breastfeed their little ones. However, don’t forget to make sure you always check first with your baby’s doctor. Pediatricians are usually very good at knowing new information on what could affect your baby.

As safe as any medication might be, It is still a good idea to try to minimize the baby's exposure to any FDA safe drug for breastfeeding. Mom should try to take the drug just after a feeding or right before the child sleeps.

FDA and AAP Approved Medications and Drugs

Here is a list of Safe Drugs for Breastfeeding approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics. (All are considered compatible with breastfeeding.)

--acetaminophen (Tylenol)

--Cephalosporin antibiotics

--Codeine

--decongestants

--Diflucan (fluconazole)

--Erythromycin antibiotics

--Flagyl (Metronidazole)

--Heparin

--ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

--Inderal (propranolol)

--alcohol in moderation (large amounts of alcohol can cause drowsiness, weakness, and abnormal weight gain in an infant)

--antiepileptics (although one, Primidone, should be given with caution)

--insulin

--Morphine at moderate doses

--most antihistamines

--most antihypertensives

--most thyroid medications

--Paxil (paroxetine)

--Penicillin antibiotics

--Pepcid(famotidine)

--Prilosec (omeprazole)

--quinine

--Reglan (metoclopramide)

--Zithromax (azithromycin)

--Zoloft (sertraline)

--All vaccines

For a more detailed table of AAP acceptable drugs, visit Kellymom.com

Other Suggestions for Breastfeeding Mothers

**Use medications only when necessary.

**Be flexible; ask your doctor to choose medications that are preferred for breastfeeding mothers.

**Even though these may be considered safe drugs for breastfeeding, use restraint and good sense. If the drug is not really necessary, avoid it.

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