is it safe to take Dr prescribed codeine or ativan while nursing?

Question

have chronic illness, and was prescibed both drugs for use when nessesary. small doses. 30-60mg of codiene, 1mg of ativan? any idea of side effect to baby

Answer 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics puts codeine into the category of "Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding". See first reference in sources section below.

Ativan (lorazepam) is categorized as "Drugs for Which the Effect on Nursing Infants Is Unknown but May Be of Concern" (see second reference). Dr. Thomas Hale, the world's foremost expert on drugs and breastfeeding takes a more liberal stand on lorazepam; see third source below for details. You may have to sign in as "guest" to read the pages, but you don't have to give *any* personal information.

Codeine has a long half-life, so taking it right after nursing won't help keep the baby from getting it. Lorazepam has a *very* long half-life, so it matters even less. Codeine is frequently used postpartum with only rare side effects; lorazepam is less commonly used and less studied.

In any case, if you are taking any narcotic or sedative, watch the baby for a reaction. If you see a change in behavior or anything worrying, stop taking it and talk to your doctor.

All of the above is from Dr. Thomas Hale from his book, _Medications and Mothers' Milk_, 2002 edition.

Answer 2

You need to ask the doctor who prescribed you these meds.

NEVER ask people online about medication as anyone can tell you anything and you are just doing more harm than good when it comes to your well being as well as your child's.

So seek advice from a doctor or a nurse in your local area.

Answer 3

I also have a chronic illness which is why I have been prescribed narcotic medicine for thee last 6 years, and am also pregnant with my 4th child, and have breast fed my other 3. Heres the scoop......The narcotics do not harm your child if they were prescribed by your physician and he/she knows that you are nursing, although they do cause the baby to have withdrawal symptoms which can be devastatingly painful for your child, and in turn making you suffer as your child will be cranky. Small doses are great for us adults, but they are not small doses for our babies, I abstained from taking my meds while I breastfed with my last 2, because I took them with my first, and saw what happened to my baby....If you know anything about withdrawal symptoms, which I'm sure you might having a chronic illness yourself, just think what they do to our babies. Hope this helps ~Dafli1sgirl~

Answer 4

According to THE exerpt on this subject (Thomas Hale, author of Medications and Mothers' Milk) Codeine is a "L3" drug which means "moderately safe.

*****Codeine is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics for use by nursing mothers.*****

Hale notes that codeine analgesics are so commonly used postpartum that side effects are extremely rare and seldom reported. (You should observe for sedation, apnea in premature or weakened infants.)

Ativan (Lorazepam) is also listed in M&MM as a "L3" drug. Hale notes no pediatric concerns reported via milk but suggests observing the child for sedation.

The AAP calls it, "a drug whose effect on nursing infants is unknown but may be of concern."

Answer 5

Hi I have taken both while nursing, my Dr. said it was fine, and I havn't noticed any side effects! I did research it and the ativan can make you baby sleepy and not want to eat, but my baby if fine and he is alert and eats well!

Answer 6

Ask your OB or pharmacist

avitan: NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if lorazepam is secreted in breast milk

Codeine: NURSING MOTHERS: Codeine is generally avoided in nursing mothers. Some studies have found codeine in the breast milk of nursing mothers.

I would say stay away probably neuro damage

Answer 7

If you have any questions I would ask your baby's doctor. I was prescribed Tylenol with codeine while I was pregnant and they told me that it would just make the baby real sleepy, that I wouldn't feel him moving much. That scared me, and I ended up not taking it. Just in case!!!!
Definitely ask your baby's DOCTOR!!!!!!

Answer 8

You did tell your doctor you are nursing?? Sometimes even when you are nursing you get sick and need meds. You might want to feed baby before taking your medicine, trying to limit the amount of drugs in your system before next feeding. Your baby may want to sleep more. Hopefully your condition will improve quickly. You might also want to check with your babys doctor for more information.

Answer 9

If your doctor prescribed these drugs & he/she know that you're nursing then it should be safe to take them.

Answer 10

You need to have a doctor OK either of those meds to be used while nursing. Both can be transfered to the baby.