Breastfeeding and medicines

Most breastfeeding mums will need to take medicines at some point, whether for pain relief, treating an illness, or managing a health condition.

Most medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding. They do enter your breastmilk, but usually only in tiny amounts that won’t affect your baby. 

Before you take any medicine, let your doctor know you’re breastfeeding. If you forget, check with your pharmacist when you pick up your medication.

Making safe choices about medicines while breastfeeding

There are breastfeeding-friendly options for most common medicines, whether prescribed or bought without a prescription. These include medications like:

• antihistamines
• decongestant nasal sprays
• painkillers
• antidepressants
• antibiotics

If you need to take any medicine or herbal product, ask your doctor or pharmacist about:

• whether it’s safe for you and your baby
• possible side effects for you or your baby
• the best option for your baby’s age and need

Some babies may have mild side effects when their mum takes these medicines while breastfeeding, like being unsettled or having a mild tummy upset. These effects are usually short-lived and minor compared to the illness you’re treating.

Tips for safer medicine use while breastfeeding:

• When possible, choose medicines that act locally (like ointments instead of tablets).
• Avoid slow-release medicines, as they stay in your body longer.
• For older babies, you may be able to time feeds so you breastfeed just before taking your medicine.

If the medicine information says not to use it while breastfeeding, it doesn’t always mean it’s unsafe. Often, it just hasn’t been tested enough in breastfeeding mums. You or your doctor can check with a medicines information expert.

A few medicines can affect your milk supply. Medicines with pseudoephedrine (some cold and flu treatments) or oestrogen (some birth control products) may reduce supply. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your options.

If you need to take anti-cancer medicines, radioactive drugs, or you are using illegal drugs, you may not be able to breastfeed. To keep your milk supply, you will need to express and throw away your milk. When the drug is out of your system you can start breastfeeding again. Ask your pharmacist or call the Medicines Line to find out how long you need to wait before breastfeeding.

You can call the national consumer medicines information line, 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424), or your state or territory’s Medicines Information Centre. Most centres are open during business hours. For urgent calls outside these hours, ring the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.