According to Loveyourbaby.com, approximately 1 percent of any medication ingested by a mother enters her milk supply, so the risks and benefits should be weighed for both the mother and the nursing baby Fortunately, many cold medications are safe for nursing mothers to take, providing relief for congestion, coughing and sneezing, yet keeping the baby safe as well.
Nose Spray
Nose sprays are considered safe for use while breastfeeding in most cases. According to Kellymom.com, they are preferred over oral medications for nursing mothers because they help relieve congestion at the source and do not enter the bloodstream in high amounts. Some nose sprays are considered safer than others. Nasal steroids, such as Flonase, are thought to be the safest because such low levels are found in the blood, any medication that actually crosses into the breast milk is minimal. Other nasal sprays, such as long acting varieties, while considered moderately safe, should not be the first choice due to the length of time the medication remains in the mother's system.
Non-Sedating Antihistamines
Medications such as diphenhydramine work to block histamine reactions in the body. Unfortunately, diphenhydramine transmitted in the milk can cause the baby to become sleepy as well. For this reason, Kellymom.com recommends non-sedating antihistamines such as loratadine to avoid sedating the infant. Medications containing pseudoephedrine should be used carefully, however, as it is known to decrease milk supply.
Sprays and Lozenges
For sore throats, most sprays and throat lozenges are considered to be safe. Products containing menthol should be used sparingly, however, as Kellymom.com reports milk supply may decrease with continued use. Since sprays and lozenges are concentrated at the site of the pain, minute amounts enter the bloodstream with very little crossing over into the milk supply.
Pain Medication
General aches and pains accompanying a cold can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but aspirin should never be used. Children exposed to aspirin can develop a dangerous condition known as Reye's syndrome. According to the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, this condition is often fatal when not diagnosed and treated properly. Increased pressure in the brain and fat accumulation around internal organs are results of Reye's syndrome.
Cough Medicine
Many forms of over-the-counter cough medications are considered safe for use while breast-feeding, including dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, according to Kellymom.com. Some cough medications contain ingredients which cross more readily into the breast milk, including codeine. Other over-the-counter products, such as Robitussin, are safe as well, according to LoveYourBaby.com.
