Cold meds & BFing

[goddessofdawn]

Starting getting a cold Monday arvo. Had a packet of generic cold & flu tablets in the pantry - read the info on the box and it didn't mention anything about not to use if BFing.
So I've been taking them for a couple of days and then went to the chemist today to get some more, and was told I can't take them because "it makes the baby's heart rate speed up!"

18-month-old daughter appears to be fine, and any info I've found online from drug company sites only says to "discuss with pharmacist if BFing".

I haven't taken any more since I spoke to the pharmacist. I just hope my DD is okay!

[helle]

From what I gather those cold tabs have codeine in them which is a drying medication (dries up your snot XD) and I think maybe dries up milk? I'm not 100% sure but I'd just stick with panadol if I were you to be on the safe side

[goddessofdawn]

Thanks, that's good to know. Boobs are all good so far I won't be taking anymore. The heart thing was just a little worrying.

[helle]

I might be wrong. I'm no LC, but I do remember hearing it somewhere along my BF travels

[onthefly]

pseudoephedrine will dry you out so probably not good when breastfeeding
Given her age, your daughter is probably fine - hope you are too

[AndiE]

From what I gather those cold tabs have codeine in them which is a drying medication (dries up your snot XD) and I think maybe dries up milk? I'm not 100% sure but I'd just stick with panadol if I were you to be on the safe side

Yep, that's what I was told - however it never made any impact on my milk supply (I used Codrol on and off in winter last year when I had terrible nasal congestion). About 3 pharmacists were happy to give me the day strength without issue.

[goddessofdawn]

Thanks everyone - I ended up finding some good info on that KellyMom website.
She posted a link to a study that showed that some women's milk supply was "reduced" and others were not. Still good to know though!

[Kazzo]

When I was pregnant and had my fourth cold last year, I went to the chemist and asked if there was anything at all. The pharmacist gave my a Chemist brand cold and flu tablet. It actually only had paracetamol in it, no codeine or pseudoephedrine. The lady that served me said it makes some people feel better taking something that says it was for col and flus. Needless to say I just purchased panadol instead.

[Kmn]

Some nasal sprays are safe to use while breastfeeding as well.
Breastfeeding and medications