What cold medications can be taken during lactation without affecting breastfeeding?
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Common cold during lactation can be treated with medications such as Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, Banlangen Granules, Ganmao Qingre Granules, Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid, and Kangganmao Granules under a doctor's guidance. These are all traditional Chinese patent medicines, with relatively safe ingredients and minimal side effects, and they will not affect the quality of breast milk. Therefore, they can be taken during lactation, but the dosage and frequency must be properly managed.
Generally, during lactation when a cold occurs, in order to avoid affecting breastfeeding, medications such as Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, Banlangen Granules, Ganmao Qingre Granules, Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid, and Kangganmao Granules may be considered. However, if medication is necessary, medical advice should be sought. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Lianhua Qingwen Capsules
Lianhua Qingwen Capsules are traditional Chinese medicine preparations, with main ingredients including Forsythia (Lianqiao), Honeysuckle (Jinyinhua), and processed Ephedra (Zhi Mahuang). They have the effects of clearing plague toxins and relieving lung heat, and can be used to treat colds caused by heat toxicity, alleviating symptoms such as fever, chills, nasal congestion, and runny nose. This medication has minimal side effects, and its use during lactation generally does not affect the quality of breast milk.
2. Banlangen Granules
Banlangen Granules are a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, with the main ingredient being Isatis root extract (Banlangen). They have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling the blood, and relieving sore throat. They are commonly used to treat colds caused by excessive heat in the lungs and stomach, and alleviate symptoms such as sore throat and dry mouth caused by colds. It is acceptable to take this medication in moderation during lactation, as it does not directly affect infant health or the quality of breast milk.
3. Ganmao Qingre Granules
Ganmao Qingre Granules mainly contain mint (Bohe), Bupleurum (Chaihu), etc., and have the effects of dispersing wind-cold and clearing surface heat. They are commonly used to treat wind-cold type colds and can alleviate symptoms such as headache and fever. If currently in the lactation period, moderate use is acceptable.
4. Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid
Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid mainly contains dandelion (Pugongying), Isatis root (Banlangen), etc., and has the effects of anti-inflammatory, swelling reduction, clearing heat, and relieving fire toxicity. It can be used to treat wind-heat type colds, alleviating symptoms such as purulent sputum and fever caused by colds. This medication does not directly affect the quality of breast milk and can be taken during lactation.
5. Kangganmao Granules
Kangganmao Granules mainly contain Honeysuckle (Jinyinhua), Forsythia (Lianqiao), Scutellaria (Huangqin), etc., and have effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, dispersing wind-heat. These ingredients do not interfere with the quality of breast milk. Those suffering from wind-heat colds may take the medication as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion, headache, and sore throat.
It should be noted that although these medications have minimal impact on breast milk, they should still be used in moderation and the frequency should be limited. During medication, regular observation is necessary, and if any discomfort occurs, the medication should be stopped promptly.
