Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Talk to your doctor before you take any prescription or over-the-counter medicines while breastfeeding. That's because some medicines can affect your breast milk. Many medicines are safe to use when you breastfeed. These include: Experts recommend that you do not take codeine or tramadol while breastfeeding. They can harm your baby. Read the label on pain medicines and cough and cold medicines, because they may contain codeine or tramadol. Consider the following before you take medicines while breastfeeding: If you must take a medicine that isn't safe for your baby, you will need to stop breastfeeding while you take it. You can feed your baby stored breast milk, donated breast milk, or formula. But keep up your milk supply by pumping and throwing away the milk. When the medicine has left your system, you can go back to breastfeeding your baby. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicines or herbal remedies to increase your milk supply. The effect of some medicines and herbal remedies on milk supply haven't been well studied. They may have side effects. If you don't think your baby is getting enough milk, try breastfeeding more often. If this doesn't help, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. If you have a problem with your milk supply, they can help you solve it. Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com. © 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.Topic Contents
Breastfeeding: Using Medicines Safely
Overview
Medicines for low milk supply
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review BoardBreastfeeding: Using Medicines Safely
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.