Can I breastfeed while taking oseltamivir?

Jan 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is the act of feeding a baby with breast milk. Oseltamivir is commonly available in forms such as granules, capsules, and suspensions. Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication primarily used for the treatment of influenza A and B. If a mother experiences flu symptoms during lactation, she may take this medication under medical guidance. Generally, it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers to nurse immediately after taking oseltamivir; they should wait at least 6 hours before resuming breastfeeding.

Feeding refers to breastfeeding. Oseltamivir is commonly available in forms such as granules, capsules, and suspensions. Women who are breastfeeding generally should not breastfeed immediately after taking oseltamivir but should wait at least 6 hours before resuming breastfeeding. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat influenza A and B. If a breastfeeding mother develops flu symptoms, she may take this medication under a doctor's guidance. However, oseltamivir may be excreted into breast milk and could potentially have adverse effects on the infant's health after ingestion. Therefore, it is not recommended for breastfeeding women to breastfeed immediately after taking oseltamivir.

The metabolic half-life of oseltamivir in the human body is approximately 6 hours. It is generally recommended that breastfeeding women wait at least 6 hours after taking oseltamivir before breastfeeding again. This can help reduce the residual amount of the drug in breast milk to some extent, thereby minimizing potential health risks to the infant.

Mothers who are breastfeeding should exercise caution when taking any medication and, whenever possible, choose drugs that have minimal impact on the infant.

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