Breastfeeding and Actifed: An Overview
At this time, it is unknown if
Actifed® Cold & Allergy (
chlorpheniramine maleate and
phenylephrine hydrochloride) passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding a child, talk with your healthcare provider before taking Actifed.
Is Taking Actifed While Breastfeeding Safe?
No research has been done to see if either of the active ingredients in Actifed passes through breast milk in humans. It is also not clear if the medication would cause problems for a nursing infant.
Actifed may decrease the supply of breast milk. However, this is likely not a problem for occasional doses in women with a well-established milk supply, as the supply will recover. However, it may become a problem for women who take the medication frequently, are just starting to breastfeed, or are having milk supply problems.
If your healthcare provider decides that it is okay for you to take Actifed while breastfeeding, make sure to watch for irritability or any other problems in your child. If you notice a significant drop in your milk supply, it is probably best to avoid the medication.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider
Discuss taking Actifed while breastfeeding with your healthcare provider.
Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision that is right for you.
