Can medication be used to reduce fever during lactation?

Reducing fever generally refers to lowering body temperature. If a woman is in good health, she can usually take medication to reduce fever during lactation, following medical advice. However, if the woman has a weaker constitution or if the medication might negatively affect her physical condition, drug-induced fever reduction is typically not recommended.

Some medications are considered relatively safe choices during lactation, such as acetaminophen. These medications are absorbed into breast milk in minimal amounts under normal dosages and have limited effects on the infant. If the mother's temperature is excessively high, it may be transmitted to the infant via breast milk, potentially causing dehydration or other complications. In such cases, short-term use of these safe medications for fever reduction is considered reasonable.

For some lactating women with special or weak constitutions, taking medication to reduce fever is generally not advisable. Medications may enter the baby's body through breast milk and potentially affect the infant's health. When medications are taken during lactation, some components may be excreted into breast milk. Infants have relatively weak tolerance to medications and may experience adverse reactions after breastfeeding. If medications are taken in large quantities, frequently, or at excessive doses, they may also impair liver and kidney function.

When lactating women need to use any medication, they should always consult a physician or pharmacist first to ensure the safety of the chosen medication. It's also important to maintain adequate nutrition and drink sufficient water to help improve overall health.