What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

With your health care provider's input, consider this list of medications found to be safe during breastfeeding. Keep in mind that this isn't a full list of safe medications.

Pain relievers

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only

Antimicrobial medications

• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Miconazole (Monistat 3, Monistat 7, others) — apply minimal amount
• Clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF) — apply minimal amount
• Penicillins, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin
• Cephalosporins, such as cephalexin

Antihistamines

• Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert, others)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy)

Decongestants

• Medications containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Zyrtec D) — use with caution because pseudoephedrine can decrease milk supply

Birth control

• Progestin-only contraceptives, also known as the minipill
• Combination contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin — discuss this option with your provider

Researchers don't have a final answer about whether combination contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin affect milk production. Talk to your health care provider before taking this type of birth control while breastfeeding.

Gastrointestinal medications

• Famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac 360)

Antidepressants

• Paroxetine (Paxil, Brisdelle, others)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Constipation medications

• Docusate (Colace, Phillips' Stool Softener, others)