As a lactating mother, taking medication is something you need to be careful about. You need to be aware of the potential risks of certain drugs passing through breast milk to your baby. However, when you have a respiratory illness, taking an expectorant may become necessary to ease symptoms and reduce phlegm in the nose and throat. In this article, we will recommend safe expectorants for lactating women and related information.
What are expectorants?
Expectorants are medications that help clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe. Expectorants are useful in treating respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. Expectorants work by thinning the mucus and increasing the production of secretions in the respiratory tract, which makes it easier to cough up and clear the airways.
When choosing expectorants for lactating women, it is essential to consider the potential risks to your baby. Most expectorants are considered safe for lactating mothers, but you need to read the label carefully and follow the recommended dosage. Overdosing can cause adverse side effects and potentially harm you and your baby.
Recommended expectorants for lactating women
Here are some expectorants that are considered safe for lactating women:
- Guaifenesin: Guaifenesin is a commonly used expectorant that is considered safe for lactating women. This medicine is sold under various trade names, such as Robitussin, Mucinex, and Tussin. Guaifenesin works by thinning mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways. The recommended dose for lactating women is 600 mg every 12 hours. Guaifenesin is safe for most people, but there are some contraindications to consider. Guaifenesin should not be taken with certain medications such as cough suppressants or other medications that contain guaifenesin. Guaifenesin may also interact with some prescription medications. Side effects: The side effects of guaifenesin are generally mild and may include nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.
- Bromhexine: Bromhexine is another expectorant that is safe for lactating women. This medicine is sold under various trade names, including Bisolvon, Mucolytic, and Mucodil. Bromhexine works by increasing the production of secretions in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways. Bromhexine is available in various forms, including tablets and syrups. The recommended dose for lactating women is 8 mg three times a day. Contraindications: Bromhexine should not be taken with certain medications such as cough suppressants or other medications that contain bromhexine. Bromhexine may also interact with some prescription medications. Side effects: The side effects of bromhexine are generally mild and may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Acetylcysteine: Acetylcysteine is an expectorant that is safe for lactating women. This medicine is sold under various trade names, including Mucomyst and Fluimucil. Acetylcysteine works by breaking down the mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways. The recommended dose for lactating women is 200 mg every 12 hours. Contraindications: Acetylcysteine should not be taken with certain medications such as cough suppressants or other medications that contain acetylcysteine. Acetylcysteine may also interact with some prescription medications. Side effects: The side effects of acetylcysteine are generally mild and may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Studies have shown that guaifenesin, bromhexine, and acetylcysteine are generally safe for lactating mothers and their babies when used as directed.
In one study, researchers found that guaifenesin does not appear to pose a significant risk to breastfed infants, and its use in lactating women does not require any special precautions or monitoring. Another study found that bromhexine is excreted into breast milk in small amounts and is considered safe for lactating mothers and their babies when used as directed. Similarly, acetylcysteine has been shown to be safe for lactating mothers and their babies when used as directed.
Besides the medicines above, there are other treatment methods to reduce phlegm in the nose and throat for breastfeeding mothers, including:
Saline nasal spray
Saline nasal spray works by moistening the nasal passages and thinning out mucus, making it easier to clear.
Saline nasal spray is used to relieve congestion and reduce phlegm in the nose. Saline nasal spray can be used as often as needed to relieve symptoms.
Saline nasal spray is safe and has no known contraindications.
Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation works by moisturizing the nasal passages and breaking up mucus, making it easier to clear.
Steam inhalation is used to relieve congestion and reduce phlegm in the nose and throat.
Steam inhalation can be used as often as needed to relieve symptoms.
Steam inhalation is safe and has no known contraindications.
Reference document:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Medications and Mother’s Milk. 19th ed.
