Most commonly used over the counter drugs are safe for breastfed babies. The dose that reaches the baby through milk is usually insignificant and usually does not pose any serious risk to the baby. However, there are some drugs that pose danger to the baby and these are not recommended to be taken during pregnancy.

What medicines should you avoid during breastfeeding? Here is a list for you to help you know which ones to keep at bay.

Oral retinoids
Codeine phosphate
Nasal decongestants such as tablets, liquids and powder forms or nasal sprays
Aspirin for pain relief
Herbal remedies
Anticoagulants example; Dicumarol and Warfarin
Cytotoxic drugs such as cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, doxorubicin, methotrexate
Psychoactive drugs; example
Anxiolytics: benzodiazapines (alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, prazepam, quazepam, temazepam) and perphenazine
Antidepressants (tricyclics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, bupropion)
Antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, chlorprothixene, clozapine, haloperidol, mesoridazine, trifluoroperazine)
Amiodarone
Chloramphenicol
Clofazimine
Corticosteroids
Lamotrigine
Metoclopramide
Metronidazole/tinidazole
Sulfapyridine/sulfisoxazole
Acebutalol
Aminosalicylic acid
Aspirin (salicylates)
Atenolol
Bromocriptine
Clemastine
Ergotamine
Estradiol
Iodides/iodine
Lithium
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Primidone
Sulfasalazine
Nitrofurantoin, sulfapyridine, sulfisoxazole
Amphetamine

Get in Touch
Careers
Legal
Privacy Policy

You may also like…

MEDICINES CONTRAINDICATED DURING BREASTFEEDING:

What medicines should you avoid during breastfeeding? Here is a list for you to help you know which ones to keep at bay.

Follow us