Reference tool

Medication and Breastfeeding

This is a reference tool, not a prescribing system. It cannot account for the exact medication, dose, route, timing, infant age, prematurity, infant or maternal health conditions, kidney or liver function, allergies, other medications or your provider's instructions. Confirm with a pharmacist or clinician before starting, stopping or changing anything.

Combination products may contain multiple active ingredients. Always review the full ingredient label rather than relying only on the brand name.

19 entries

• IbuprofenAdvil, MotrinCommonly considered compatiblePain, inflammation and fever, including afterpains and incision pain.
• AcetaminophenTylenol, ParacetamolCommonly considered compatiblePain and fever; often alternated with ibuprofen after a cesarean birth.
• Docusate sodiumColaceCommonly considered compatibleSoftening stool after birth, especially with perineal tears or hemorrhoids.
• Polyethylene glycol 3350MiraLAXCommonly considered compatibleOsmotic laxative for postpartum constipation.
• Witch hazel topicalTucksCommonly considered compatibleTopical relief for hemorrhoids and perineal soreness.
• FamotidinePepcidCommonly considered compatibleAcid reflux and heartburn.
• SimethiconeGas-XCommonly considered compatibleTrapped gas, common after cesarean birth.
• OndansetronZofranMay be compatible in some circumstancesNausea and vomiting.
• LoratadineClaritinCommonly considered compatibleAllergy symptoms; a non-sedating antihistamine.
• DiphenhydramineBenadryl, many nighttime combination productsRequires professional reviewAllergy symptoms and sedation.
• PseudoephedrineSudafed, products labeled -DUse only under provider guidanceNasal congestion.
• DextromethorphanDelsym, many DM combination productsMay be compatible in some circumstancesCough suppression.
• SertralineZoloftMay be compatible in some circumstancesPostpartum depression and anxiety.
• SumatriptanImitrexMay be compatible in some circumstancesAcute migraine.
• CephalexinKeflexMay be compatible in some circumstancesCommon antibiotic for skin, incision and breast infections.
• LabetalolTrandateMay be compatible in some circumstancesPostpartum hypertension.
• Ferrous sulfateFeosol, generic ironCommonly considered compatibleIron deficiency after blood loss at birth.
• Lidocaine topical sprayDermoplastCommonly considered compatibleNumbing perineal pain after a vaginal birth.
• Melatoninvarious supplementsRequires professional reviewSleep onset difficulty.