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Author Topic: Can I take decongestants?  (Read 1041 times)

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Offline cuckoochick

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Can I take decongestants?
« on: May 17, 2012, 16:10:45 pm »
Have been ill for almost 3 weeks with a heavy cold/colds. I've had a terrible cough but now my throat is really aching and I have terrible ear/sinus pain and my head wants to blow off. Can I take something with decongestants in? I'm only doing BT feed. Medication I've bought  has phenylephrine in and leaflet says to consult gp if BFing but getting to speak to the doctor is near impossible.

To be honest I feel so bad I will skip tonight's feed if I have to but any opinions would be great. If I hang on to take them after BT when would they be out of my milk?

Thank you Xxx
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*Nicola*

Offline Shiv52

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Re: Can I take decongestants?
« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2012, 16:13:08 pm »
Yes if you take it after BT it will be out of milk by morning I'd say.  I just text my sister to ask her so will let you know for sure when she gets back but i think it should be fine even you take it now. 
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Offline Erin M

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Re: Can I take decongestants?
« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2012, 16:24:05 pm »
The long answer is here:
http://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/cold-remedy/

The short answer is that it's generally considered safe.  I've taken it in the past, hope you feel better soon!
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Offline cuckoochick

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Re: Can I take decongestants?
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2012, 16:44:20 pm »
Thanks ladies. Will probably wait until after bedtime if I can.

 C just came through the door after being with MIL all day and asked for a BF! :roll: and this is the child I thought had given up a fortnight ago! :P

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*Nicola*

Offline ENMS

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Re: Can I take decongestants?
« Reply #4 on: May 17, 2012, 16:50:12 pm »
The Pharmacist had told me this winter than it was ok to take a decongestant, but to be careful with the sinus type decongestants because that medication could decrease the milk supply.
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Offline Shiv52

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Re: Can I take decongestants?
« Reply #5 on: May 17, 2012, 17:23:00 pm »
Quote from: *Elise* on May 17, 2012, 16:50:12 pm
but to be careful with the sinus type decongestants because that medication could decrease the milk supply.
Yes i think that is the main concern but its not the type you're using.  Sister said less than 40% enters blood stream so even less to the milk and peaks at 1-2 hours.  Half life is 2-3 hours so if you take it after last feed there will be very very little if anything in your system next morning  xxx
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Offline cuckoochick

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Re: Can I take decongestants?
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2012, 17:25:54 pm »
You are lovely ladies thanks. DH has sent me upstairs to have a long soak in the bath (I can't remember the last time I've done this!) and I'm gonna put my jammies on and get into bed as soon as C does.
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Offline Erin M

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Re: Can I take decongestants?
« Reply #7 on: May 17, 2012, 17:31:09 pm »
Feel better! It's great when dhs realize that we actually need a break!
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Offline Fiver

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Re: Can I take decongestants?
« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2012, 18:47:22 pm »
You may find the steam from the bath helps before you take it anyway ;)

Hope you feel better soon
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*** Amanda ***



Offline cuckoochick

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Re: Can I take decongestants?
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2012, 19:04:30 pm »
Thanks the bath was lovely but every time I cough/blow my nose/move sharply I get such a stabbing pain in my head behind my eyes. Ugh.

Anyway off to watch a bit of tv in bed and to sleep. Thanks ladies :-*
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*Nicola*
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