What cold medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

Sep 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, colds during lactation are often caused by the relatively low immunity of women during this period, leading to viral infections. Patients can take medications such as acetaminophen tablets, amoxicillin capsules, isatis root granules, loratadine tablets, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup according to medical advice. It is also important to maintain good daily habits and wear a mask while breastfeeding.

Generally, colds during lactation are mostly caused by viral infections due to relatively lower immunity in breastfeeding women. Patients may take medications under medical guidance, such as Paracetamol Tablets, Amoxicillin Capsules, Banlangen Granules, Loratadine Hydrochloride Tablets, and Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Syrup. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Paracetamol Tablets

These are safe antipyretic and analgesic drugs that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, relieving symptoms like fever, headache, and sore throat caused by colds. This medication is secreted in breast milk in minimal amounts and has little effect on infants, making it a common choice for fever reduction and pain relief in lactating women.

2. Amoxicillin Capsules

This penicillin-class antibiotic exerts bactericidal effects by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is only suitable for cases of cold complicated by bacterial infection, such as yellowish purulent sputum or nasal discharge. It has low concentrations in breast milk and is relatively safe for infants, but prior confirmation of no penicillin allergy in the patient is necessary before use.

3. Banlangen Granules

A traditional Chinese medicine primarily composed of Isatis root, it has effects of clearing heat and toxins and cooling the blood to soothe the throat, relieving symptoms like sore throat and dry throat caused by colds. This medication is mild in nature and widely used during lactation, suitable for patients with mild early-stage wind-heat cold symptoms.

4. Loratadine Hydrochloride Tablets

An antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors, alleviating allergy-like symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose caused by colds. It is secreted in breast milk in small amounts with minimal impact on infants, making it suitable for breastfeeding women experiencing significant nasal discomfort due to colds.

5. Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Syrup

A central-acting antitussive that suppresses the cough center in the medulla, relieving dry cough caused by colds. Due to the need to assess the infant's condition, this medication should be used under a doctor's guidance and is only suitable for patients with severe dry cough during lactation that affects rest.

Maintaining good daily habits is important. Wear a mask while breastfeeding to avoid transmitting viruses when in close contact with the infant. Drink plenty of warm water and avoid spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers and ginger, as these may hinder recovery.

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Can I take ibuprofen while breastfeeding?

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