5 basic rules for using Paracetamol during breastfeeding

Is Paracetamol allowed for nursing mothers?

Paracetamol is the most common drug taken for colds.
But there is another situation that every nursing mother may face. Such a situation is lactostasis - stagnation of milk in the ducts of the mammary gland. Most often, lactostasis is observed in primiparous women, as well as when the baby is not applied correctly to the breast and the baby’s sucking process is ineffective. A woman experiences engorgement of the mammary gland, more often, on the one hand, an increase in temperature to high numbers.

In such cases, paracetamol is allowed during lactation, but must be taken with the permission of a doctor, and you must also follow some rules for taking the drug. Paracetamol for breastfeeding (breastfeeding) is taken at a temperature above 38.5 degrees, keeping an interval between doses of at least 4 hours. Also, the number of tablets per day should not exceed 4.

Folk remedies for breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, it is important to take a minimum of medications. Many ailments and diseases can be treated with folk remedies without harm to health. At least, with the help of safe natural ingredients, you can relieve the symptoms of many ailments.

From temperature

• Cold compress on forehead.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Wiping the body with diluted vinegar or alcohol.
• Tea with honey and lemon or tea with raspberries.

What effects does Paracetamol have?

Paracetamol is widely used in medical practice. The main one is the antipyretic effect. Paracetamol is approved for use by persons with fever of all ages. Also used to reduce fever is the drug Ibuprofen, which is most effective during fever, having an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Some experts recommend alternating these drugs throughout the day for the best effect, but studies have shown that there is no difference between the combined use of drugs and taking them separately.

A single dosage for paracetamol is 10 - 15 mg/kg, for ibuprofen 6 - 10 mg/kg. Recommendations that if after the first dose of an antipyretic drug there is no improvement in the condition, then the next dose should be given, are fundamentally incorrect.

A decrease in temperature can be observed after 2 doses, but only in the first 3 to 4 hours. This treatment does not affect the temperature in the future. It is also important to observe a single dosage, since increasing it can negatively affect health.

Paracetamol has a slight analgesic effect, but this drug is effective only for mild to moderate pain. People with osteoarthritis can take paracetamol to relieve pain. But today there are the most effective principles of therapy for this disease. Paracetamol can relieve mild pain in osteoarthritis, but has no effect on inflammation, swelling, redness and other symptoms of the disease.

This drug in combination with caffeine is used for headaches and migraines. The combination of paracetamol with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be effective in relieving postoperative pain.

Patent ductus arteriosus is a pathology that often occurs in newborns. The ductus arteriosus should close by the time the baby is born, but if this does not happen, paracetamol can be used in treatment. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used, but paracetamol has fewer side effects.

Paracetamol is an excellent alternative as an antipyretic and analgesic in cases where NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are contraindicated for one reason or another.

Dosage of the drug

During lactation, medication therapy is always a last resort. A nursing mother is allowed to be treated with medications (including paracetamol) only as prescribed by a doctor.

Paracetamol therapy regimen during lactation:

• Take 1 paracetamol. (one tablet contains 500 mg of the active ingredient) three times a day;
• the break time between repeated doses of tablets is at least 4 hours;
• You need to take the medicine 1-2 hours after a full meal (this recommendation is especially important for nursing mothers to follow, since food can slow down the absorption of the active components of the drug);
• Duration of treatment - no more than 3 days;
• Rectal suppositories can be an alternative to paracetamol tablets;
• if the symptoms of the mother’s illness do not disappear or the woman experiences side effects, then it is necessary to stop taking the drug and then consult a physician.

The daily dose of paracetamol for hepatitis B should not be more than 1.5 mg; this means that it is undesirable for a woman to take more than 3 tablets per day.

It is important to know that paracetamol can only be taken with boiled water. You should not drink strong tea, coffee or other drinks at the same time as the medicine; this increases the risk of side effects.

In what cases is Paracetamol indicated during breastfeeding?

Paracetamol during breastfeeding can be used for the same indications as mentioned above. Chronic diseases, which involve a course of taking this drug, should be discussed directly with a doctor. And only a specialist can select the right treatment, which should not negatively affect the child and will benefit the mother.

Short-term use of paracetamol for infectious diseases and lactostasis in the mother does not affect the growth and development of the child. Paracetamol during breastfeeding for headaches can take place as a temporary treatment measure.

Action of Paracetamol

Paracetamol is allowed during lactation, but it is necessary to use the medicine correctly. The drug provides:

• painkiller;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antipyretic effect.

It does not contain steroids or toxins, so the answer to the question whether Paracetamol can be taken during pregnancy and lactation will be positive. The main component and active substance of the drug is paracetamol. When dissolved, it enters the cells of the body, where it blocks the production and distribution of prostaglandin. This substance suppresses pain, so the drug is effective for toothache and headaches.

The medicine is available in various forms - tablets, drops, syrups, rectal suppositories. The dose in each format may vary. Dr. Komarovsky notes that active substances enter the bloodstream through the stomach faster than through the rectum.

Rules for using Paracetamol during breastfeeding

The most popular antipyretic during breastfeeding is the drug Paracetamol.
Paracetamol during lactation is prescribed at temperatures above 38.5 degrees. Taking this drug must comply with the general rules of use.

• 1 paracetamol tablet - 500 mg is a single dosage for a nursing woman.
• It is recommended to take the medicine after feeding so that the concentration of paracetamol in breast milk is minimal.
• It is important to maintain an interval between doses of the drug of at least 4 hours.
• You should also take no more than 4 tablets per day.
• The course of taking paracetamol should not exceed 3 days.

Often, the temperature in infectious diseases and lactostasis normalizes over a given period of time. If a nursing mother has been bothered by a fever for a long time, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor.

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How to take paracetamol correctly for breastfeeding

Following certain rules will help avoid negative consequences and speed up the removal of the active substance from the blood. Recommended:

• Use paracetamol during lactation strictly according to the instructions, having agreed upon the use with your doctor;
• the maximum daily dose of the drug is 1.5 g per day or 3 tablets (capsules) of 500 mg;
• regarding possible contraindications for infants, consult a pediatrician;
• You need to take the medicine immediately after feeding the baby;
• After taking the pill, breastfeeding is not advisable for 4 hours;
• take the medicine only with water;
• should not be taken on an empty or full stomach; it is advisable that about 2 hours pass after eating, otherwise the drug may linger in the digestive tract, which will slow down its removal from the body;
• It is important to monitor the child’s reaction, and if any problems arise, cancel the appointment;
• use as an antipyretic only after the temperature rises above 38.5°C;
• The duration of use of the drug during breastfeeding should not be more than 3 days.

On a note! It is not recommended to take paracetamol with tea or coffee, since these drinks prolong the effect of the drug, slowing down its removal from the body. But in some cases, this property is used to improve the effect, then it is recommended to take the tablet with warm green tea.

Importance of dosage

Responsibility for the health of the baby forces the mother to carefully ensure that no harmful components enter her body. Paracetamol is considered low-toxic, but you can take it exactly as much as the doctor prescribes for breastfeeding. It is advisable to use the medication once.

When prescribed as a course, the duration should not be longer than 3 days. During 1 dose during breastfeeding, it is permissible to take only 1 tablet. The interval between taking the drug should be at least 4 hours.

When taking any medication, it is important to follow the dosage

Contraindications for the use of Paracetamol for hepatitis B

Breastfeeding is not a contraindication for the use of paracetamol. Also, during an illness, you should not switch your child to formula. It is not even recommended to start artificial feeding while taking paracetamol.

Contraindications for the use of this drug include an allergic predisposition or intolerance to the components of the drug, severe impairment of liver and kidney function (Paracetamol has some hepato- and nephrotoxic effects), decreased hemoglobin concentration (anemia).

Side effects and contraindications for breastfeeding

Taking Paracetamol can cause allergies in a child

During lactation, the drug is prescribed to a nursing mother only after consultation with the pediatrician. Before using paracetamol, you should make sure that not only the woman, but also the child has no contraindications to it. You also need to carefully monitor the baby’s condition, because side effects may occur due to the medicine entering the body during breastfeeding.

Possible side effects:

• allergic reactions - rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke's edema;
• acute inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes;
• Lyell's syndrome;
• dizziness;
• nausea;
• abdominal pain;
• thrombocytopenia;
• anemia;
• agranulocytosis;
• increased activity of liver enzymes;
• hepatonecrosis;
• hypoglycemia;
• insomnia.

On a note! Long-term use in excess of the dosage can lead to disruption of the liver, kidneys, and hematopoietic system.

Contraindications to taking paracetamol:

• hypersensitivity or intolerance to the active substance or other component of the drug;
• history of kidney and liver diseases;
• age up to 3 years (tablet form).

What other than paracetamol?

In addition to paracetamol, in order to achieve an antipyretic effect during breastfeeding, you can use a drug from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Ibuprofen.

Safe antipyretics for a breastfeeding baby are Ibuprofen and Paracetamol.

The concentration of Ibuprofen in breast milk is small and does not affect the growth and development of the baby. It is recommended to take the drug immediately after feeding with water. Taking medications after feeding reduces the concentration of the drug in breast milk.

There are also rules for Ibuprofen. The maximum daily dosage for the drug should not exceed more than 4 tablets or capsules. It is important to maintain an interval of at least 4 hours. The course of treatment should be short-term.

Paracetamol analogs

Paracetamol is included in more than 500 medicines. Usually these are combination drugs containing additionally: caffeine, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, ascorbic acid and others. Let's name some of them:

• Citramon;
• Efferalgan;
• Cefekon;
• Panadol;
• Calpol;
• Citropak;
• Anvimax;
• Theraflu;
• Maxicold;
• Solpadeine;
• Antigrippin, etc.

Medicine widely uses two analogues of paracetamol in terms of action, but not in terms of the active substance. These are ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid, better known as Aspirin. They also have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Expert opinion

Sokolova L. S.

Pediatrician of the highest category

All combined analgesics and Aspirin are prohibited for women during lactation. A nursing mother is allowed to take only two drugs as prescribed by a doctor: Paracetamol and Ibuprofen (Nurofen). In therapeutic doses they will not harm the baby.

What should you not combine paracetamol with?

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Some women who are breastfeeding may take any medications for a long time. Chronic diseases require constant medication. The use of such drugs may coincide with the use of Paracetamol. But the latter cannot be combined with certain medications that you need to know about. Inducers of microsomal liver enzymes (Phenobarbital) are not recommended to be taken together with Paracetamol.

Both drugs have a hepatotoxic effect, but individual drugs may not exhibit this negative effect. But as soon as the combined use of these medications is observed, the adverse effect on the liver intensifies.

Drugs from the group of anticoagulants (Heparin, Warfarin) together with Paracetamol can change blood parameters that affect coagulation.

An antipyretic may not have the desired effect on fever due to poor absorption. The drug is characterized by a lack of absorption when used with anticholinergics (Atropine, Ipratropium bromide) or with activated carbon.

Paracetamol can also reduce the antipyretic and analgesic effect due to the fact that it is quickly eliminated from the body. This situation occurs when taken together with oral contraceptives. If the temperature rises, the doctor must tell the doctor about her chronic diseases, as well as about the medications that the woman is currently taking. Some drug combinations do not produce the desired effect or may even be harmful to both the nursing mother and the baby.

Can I take Paracetamol while breastfeeding?

Many studies have shown that Paracetamol and breastfeeding can be combined [3]. It is approved for nursing mothers and children over 3 months of age. Before taking the drug, consult your doctor about the dosage.

The drug passes into breast milk in an amount of 0.04% to 0.23% of the dose taken by the mother.

Monitor your baby's reaction; sometimes allergies are possible - hives, itching, skin rash. In rare cases, regurgitation, rumbling in the stomach and diarrhea may occur. Do not worry, adverse reactions when taking Paracetamol are very rare. In most cases, this is due to an overdose of the drug and non-compliance with the instructions.

Possible side effects and overdose

Side effects are detected quite rarely. From the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may occur. Long-term use of Paracetamol provokes the development of a hepatotoxic effect. In this regard, there is a decrease in liver function.

If the patient had an allergic predisposition to this drug, then a rash, redness, swelling, and itching may be observed on the skin. A long course of Paracetamol impairs kidney function. Long-term use of this drug can affect blood cells, reducing their concentration, in particular hemoglobin, red blood cells, and platelets.

An overdose is very dangerous for the liver. Improper use of Paracetamol leads to necrosis of liver cells and tissues. The degree of damage to this organ depends on the duration of use of the drug and the dose.

The patient also experiences nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. If these symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Treatment of overdose involves performing a gastric lavage procedure, a cleansing enema and taking activated charcoal.

How to help yourself with a cold. Advice for nursing mothers

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/lactation-chest-baby-breastfeeding-3508242/ The main question that worries mothers when acute respiratory diseases occur is: is it possible to breastfeed? The answer is yes, you can, but you must use the drug following certain rules.

Physical cooling methods

Physical cooling methods can be used to reduce the temperature. But you should forget about wiping with vodka or vinegar! These methods are dangerous and poorly effective. The temperature of the skin drops during such rubbing, but the internal organs retain their original temperature or even increase.

A safe physical method is to cool by wiping the forehead with a wet towel at room temperature. This method also reduces headaches.

Nasal rinsing

With acute respiratory infections, patients are often bothered by nasal congestion. This symptom can be combated by frequently rinsing the nasal passages with saline or sea salt solution (Aqualor, Aquamaris). This procedure can be repeated every 3 to 4 hours, depending on the patient’s condition.

The use of vasoconstrictor drops is not recommended because they are addictive and their effect is short-lived. Irrigation with sea water can also relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa and facilitate nasal breathing. Also, with ARVI, patients often experience a sore throat.

Mouth rinse

To relieve discomfort, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with antiseptic solutions (Chlorhexidine, Miramistin) or herbal solutions (Chamomile, Sage). You should rinse regularly and with greater frequency for faster recovery.

To relieve a sore throat, there is a drug called Lizobact, which is approved for pregnant and nursing mothers. During illness, patients should drink more fluids to quickly remove toxins from the body.

Call a doctor

If a nursing mother's temperature rises to high levels, then you should immediately call a doctor. Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis. Breastfeeding mothers may face more serious illnesses. For example, sore throat, pneumonia or kidney inflammation. Only a thorough examination will help determine the cause of the fever. The patient may also need to prescribe additional research methods.

For pneumonia - chest x-ray. After this procedure, it is not necessary to express milk, because X-ray radiation does not penetrate into breast milk and cannot affect the baby. For pyelonephritis, a general urine test and ultrasound examination of the urinary system are necessary.

These diseases require immediate antibiotic therapy. But even antibiotics are not a reason to switch to artificial feeding. Antibacterial drugs, in particular Flemoxin, which can be prescribed for pyelonephritis, sore throat or pneumonia, can be used in nursing women and are safe for the child.

How to take Paracetamol for nursing mothers

Having found out whether a nursing mother can take Paracetamol, you should clarify at what time the medicine should be taken. The optimal time is immediately after breastfeeding. Thus, the body will have 3-4 hours before the next feeding to remove part of the active substance. And no more than 1% of the dose that the mother took will enter the child’s body with milk.

The highest concentration of the drug is observed 40 minutes after taking the medicine. It is better to refuse feeding at this time, take the maximum allowable pause, and distract the baby.

How often can you take the medicine, the course of administration, dosage should be prescribed by a medical specialist. An adult woman can take Paracetamol three times a day. In this case, a single dose should be 500 mg. The interval between doses should be no more than 4 hours. The course of treatment is limited to 3 days. If during this time the symptoms do not go away and the disease does not recede, be sure to seek medical help. Only a doctor can prescribe adequate treatment that will not harm either mother or baby.

Treatment of lactostasis

A woman may have lactostasis (milk stagnation), which must be properly treated. Without appropriate therapy, the patient is at risk of developing mastitis. Inflammation and necrosis of breast tissue requires only surgical treatment.

This situation will have an adverse effect on both mother and child. The latter will have to switch to artificial feeding, since the mother will not be able to perform her functions in a hospital setting. Also, during a long break from breastfeeding, milk gradually decreases and the lactation period may stop completely. Lactostasis is manifested by increased temperature and chest pain. The pain syndrome is often unilateral.

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With lactostasis, while the baby is feeding, the temperature can decrease without the use of antipyretics.

A nursing woman can independently feel lumps in her breasts. Such formations indicate stagnation of milk in the lobules. The location of the seals indicates how best to position the baby during feeding. It is important to put the baby to the breast as often as possible for better resorption of stagnant formations.

Warm compresses are not recommended during lactostasis because they increase milk flow. You should also avoid hot showers, baths, and hot tea. Drinking plenty of liquid also increases milk volume. Cool compresses should be applied to the affected breast. This procedure relieves swelling and improves the patency of the milk ducts.

During feeding, it is recommended to do a light massage, which also helps eliminate stagnation. Some experts recommend smearing the affected breast with Traumeel ointment. This medicine is homeopathic and is used for various injuries. In the case of lactostasis, it is necessary to relieve swelling.

Milk stagnation most often occurs due to wearing uncomfortable and constricting clothing, and sleeping on the stomach and side can also lead to stagnation. Lactostasis occurs in lobules, the outflow of milk from which is often difficult.

During this period, it is important to constantly offer the affected breast to the baby. And from the other, express milk until a state of relief. The baby's position during feeding should be constantly changed until the woman understands which position reduces the lump. Pressing on the breasts is strictly prohibited, because the milk ducts may be damaged.