20 Flu Medicines for Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Benefits and Side Effects

Anyone can experience the flu, including mothers who are breastfeeding. Flu symptoms can cause discomfort while loving your little one, Mother.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu can cause mild to severe illness. Well, this infectious respiratory disease is caused by an influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

Keep in mind that the flu is different from the common cold. The flu usually comes suddenly and people who have the flu can feel several symptoms, such as fever, cough, headache, to fatigue.

Influenza needs to be watched out for in breastfeeding mothers. Because, the virus that causes flu can be transmitted to babies who are breastfed.

Many experts believe that the flu virus can spread through droplets or splashes of saliva when an infected person coughs, cleans, or talks. Not only that, the virus can also stick to the surface of objects and spread when touched by hands, which then touch the mouth or nose.

Breastfeeding mother flu medicine

Mothers can take cold medicine while breastfeeding to relieve symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic , almost all medications that are in your blood will be transferred to your breast milk to some extent.

Most drugs do not pose a dangerous risk to the baby. However, there are exceptions where the drug can be concentrated in breast milk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains that it’s important for breastfeeding mothers to tell their pediatrician about all medications they take, including herbal products. Not all drugs are contained in breast milk or pose a risk to the baby.

Well, here HaiBunda has summarized 20 cold medicines for breastfeeding mothers that can be consumed with their benefits and side effects:

1. Paracetamol

Mothers can take paracetamol while breastfeeding. This medicine can help reduce the symptoms of pain, fever, runny nose, and headache that appear when coughing.

Paracetamol for breastfeeding mothers

Paracetamol is a drug that is safe to take while breastfeeding. The content of this drug is only found in very small amounts in breast milk and will not harm the baby.

Paracetamol dose

The maximum dose of paracetamol for adults is 1 gram (1,000 mg) per dose or 500 mg taken 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours per day. Consumption of paracetamol with doses more than recommended can cause health problems, such as liver damage. If you are worried about the side effects, you can consult your doctor first.

2. Ibuprofen for flu medicine for breastfeeding mothers

Ibuprofen can be used as a medicine to relieve pain, fever, and headache due to the flu. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Ibuprofen for breastfeeding mothers

Ibuprofen in moderate doses is safe to take during breastfeeding. This is because only a small amount of this drug passes into breast milk.

Quoted from the BMA Concise Guide To Medicines & Drugs , Dr Michael Peters explained that ibuprofen can still pass into breast milk. But at normal doses, side effects in infants were not found.

” Ibuprofen has fewer side effects , especially at lower doses , than many other NSAIDS , and a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration , ” says Peters .

ibuprofen dose

Ibuprofen tablets that are sold over the counter usually have a dosage of 200 to 400 mg. Citing various sources, breastfeeding mothers can consume a maximum of 400 mg or 2 times 200 mg every 4 to 6 hours (there needs to be a break). The use of high doses during breastfeeding needs to be consulted by a doctor, Mother.

3. Cetirizine

Cetirizine is a medication to treat respiratory problems, such as coughs, flu, and colds. This drug belongs to the antihistamine class which tends to have few side effects for breast implants.

Cetirizine dose

Medicines containing cetirizine are generally available in the form of 10 milligram (mg) tablets. The dose for adults is 10 mg per day before or after meals. The use of this drug must be as directed or prescribed by a doctor.

4. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen works to relieve mild to moderate pain due to headaches, muscle aches, and menstrual pain. In addition, medicines containing acetaminophen can also treat pain due to sore throats, coughs, flu, and colds.

Acetaminophen for cold medicine for breastfeeding mothers

Reported by Today’s Parent, the drug acetaminophen found in Tylenol is known to be safe to drink during breastfeeding. This drug is only found in small amounts in breast milk and it does not sufficiently affect the baby or interfere with milk production.

Even so, Busui needs to be careful when taking this drug together with other products, such as Robitussin and several other types of drugs. There are side effects from the content of these drugs when taken together. Before taking acetaminophen, talk to your doctor first.

5. Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan can be found in over-the-counter medications. This medicine can be used to treat coughs that appear when you have the flu, Mother.

Dextromethorphan works by suppressing coughing. This medicine can affect the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex.

Dextromethorphan for breastfeeding mothers

Dextromethorphan is a cough medicine that is safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database , the amount of dextromethorphan and its active metabolite in breast milk is so low that it is not expected to affect a nursing infant.

Although you can buy this drug over the counter, it’s better if you take it based on a doctor’s instructions or prescription. Dextromethorphan is recommended for breastfeeding mothers whose babies are two months and older.

6. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephedrine

According to Healthline , pseudoephedrine and phenylephedrine are oral decongestants. This medication works to treat symptoms that accompany a cough, such as the flu or nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and sinus infections.

Drug safety for breastfeeding mothers

Pseudoephedrine and phenylephedrine are considered safe to drink while breastfeeding, Mother. But even so, these ingredients can still affect the breastfeeding process. It’s best to consult a doctor before consuming it.

7. Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir is used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus (influenza). This drug can help reduce symptoms of nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, fever, and aches. Oseltamivir can also shorten the recovery time, Mother.

Oseltamivir for breastfeeding mothers

According to the CDC, Busui who has the flu or is suspected of having the flu virus can take the oral drug oseltamivir. Data indicate that oseltamivir is excreted in small amounts in breast milk.

Dosage of oseltamivir

A daily dose of 150 mg of oseltamivir is said to pass into breast milk only slightly and is not expected to cause side effects in a nursing infant. But, for the safety of the drug, you can first consult your doctor regarding the dosage and side effects.

8. Breastfeeding mother’s flu medicine: Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is a cough and cold medicine used to help expel phlegm when you are sick. You can take this medicine when you have a cold with these symptoms.

The drug guaifenesin works by making mucus or phlegm thin so that it is easy to expel. This medicine should not be taken if you are allergic to guaifenesin.

Effect of guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is found in over-the-counter medications, such as Robitussin and Mucinex. This type of medicine can be taken during breastfeeding and does not affect the milk supply.

“It’s okay to take it while breastfeeding. It won’t affect your milk supply. However, it generally doesn’t work very well with coughs,” says Ellen Giesbrecht of BC Women’s Hospital.

9. Pastilles

Pastilles are a type of sweet candy that contains medicine to relieve breathing, including when you have a cold. This candy can also freshen the mouth, cure sore throats, and coughs.

The ingredients in this type of pastilles are generally not absorbed into breast milk, so it can be consumed by nursing mothers. Even so, you should choose candy that is sugar free .

Natural flu remedy for breastfeeding mothers

In addition to drugs available at pharmacies, you can also take natural cold remedies during breastfeeding. The content of this natural medicine also does not provide significant side effects in the breastfeeding process. Well, citing various sources, here are 11 natural cold remedies for breastfeeding mothers:

10. Honey

Honey can be an option for cold medicine for mothers during breastfeeding. Since a long time, honey has been used as a home remedy to treat respiratory problems.

Benefits of honey

Honey has antimicrobial properties, which can fight some cold-causing bacteria and viruses. Researchers from Oxford University’s Medical School and Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences say that honey is more effective in relieving symptoms of illnesses such as coughs and colds, than conventional commercial treatments.

In addition, honey can also be used as an alternative to antibiotics that are safer, cheaper, and easily available.

“Honey is better than usual medication for symptom improvement of upper respiratory tract infections,” the research team wrote in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.

Recipe for making honey water

Cold and cough medicine with honey can be made at home. Mothers can directly consume 2 tablespoons (sdm) of honey every day. In addition, you can also mix 2 teaspoons (tsp) of honey with ginger water, lemon water, or warm water.

11. Menthol

Mothers can use menthol leaves for steam therapy when you have a cold. Menthol comes from many types of the mint plant. Menthol has antibacterial and pain-relieving effects and is an ingredient in many steam rubs.

You can also add menthol to hot water to inhale the steam. Although a 2013 study found that menthol inhalation helps reduce coughing due to environmental irritants, research into its effectiveness in clearing blocked airways is limited.

12. Garlic

Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help fight bacterial and viral infections. This kitchen spice also has antioxidant properties that can fight free radicals and provide protection against several diseases.

Garlic for nursing mothers flu medicine

Garlic has long been a natural remedy for colds and flu. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes garlic as GRAS ( generally recognized as safe ), which is safe for consumption while breastfeeding.

“Garlic can be consumed regularly in moderation or in moderation,” said clinical nutritionist Swati Patwal M.Sc, reported by Mom Junction.

However, you need to be careful because garlic can change the taste and smell of breast milk, so your baby may refuse to breastfeed. In addition, its consumption needs to be considered if the baby has allergies to plants from the Allium genus , such as garlic.

Mother can directly eat raw garlic sick with the flu. If you don’t like the spicy taste, you can mix garlic in soups or other dishes.

13. Berries for nursing mothers flu medicine

Berries contain polyphenols, which are compounds that have cold-causing antiviral properties. Research shows, the type of berry, namely elderberry can reduce flu symptoms. Meanwhile, cranberry drinks can boost immunity.

In several in vitro studies , berry extracts have shown potential to help fight influenza. Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are also sources of vitamin C, which can support the immune system.

14. Ginger tea

Quoted from Very Well Family, ginger is said to provide a myriad of benefits for busui. Although studies examining the safety of ginger for breastfeeding mothers are still few, this spice is considered safe and does not cause side effects that harm breast and baby.

Ginger contains shogaols , which are compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Its function is to inhibit and fight microorganisms that cause infection when sick with the flu.

Ginger tea recipe for cold medicine for nursing mothers

Ginger boiled water or ginger tea can be consumed during colds. Ginger boiled water that has been made can be mixed with honey. lemon, or lemongrass, before drinking regularly every day.

15. Chamomile tea

Dried chamomile tea has been used for centuries to help with sleep problems. The content of flavonoids in this flower can provide a calming effect, Mother. Chamomile tea is also a mild anti-inflammatory.

How to make chamomile tea

• Mix 1 teaspoon (tsp) of dry chamomile in 1 cup of hot water.
• Let stand for 20 minutes, then drain. Drink 1/3 cup of chamomile tea 3 times a day before meals.

You can add honey to chamomile tea so it tastes a little sweet.

16. Lemon water

Lemon water provides amazing health benefits. This drink can relieve nasal congestion due to flu or cough, as well as hydrate the body when sick.

Lemon water is also rich in vitamin C which can increase endurance. UK NHK explained that warm lemon water mixed with honey has the same effect as cough medicine.

How to make lemon water

• Mix lemon juice into hot water
• Add 1 to 2 tsp honey, then stir until combined.
• Drink this lemon juice when the water is warm and every day while sick.

17. Turmeric Water

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes turmeric as a safe food ingredient. This spice contains an active compound, curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that can help fight infections that cause colds and coughs.

Turmeric for cold medicine for nursing mothers

In general, turmeric is safe to consume during breastfeeding and provides health benefits. Even so, its consumption should not be excessive because it can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.

18. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which research shows has antimicrobial properties. Benefits, can kill pathogens that cause infections that cause colds or coughs.

Some experts also recommend apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for coughs. However, this herbal remedy must be used properly for maximum effect in treating colds and coughs.

How to make a nursing mother’s flu medicine

• Mix 2 tablespoons (tbsp) of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger in a glass of warm water.
• Drink twice a day for maximum results.

19. Licorice

Licorice root has been known as a traditional medicine to treat health problems. This plant can relieve colds, coughs, and problems with respiratory infections.

Cold medicine recipe from liquorice

• Wash the liquorice properly, then puree it.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of licorice powder with two cups of water, then simmer in a saucepan over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Strain the cooking water and wait until it is warm before drinking.

20. Breastfeeding mother’s flu medicine: Warm water

Intake must be met during breastfeeding so that the mother does not become dehydrated. Fulfillment of fluid intake is also needed when you have a cough, such as from warm water or warm soup.

Benefits of warm water

Consumption of warm liquids such as water or soup can reduce itching and irritation in the throat due to coughing. Warm liquids from soup can also increase endurance and increase nutritional intake during illness, Mother.