Acetaminophen / phenylephrine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Acetaminophen / phenylephrine is also known as: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Sinus, Congespirin Aspirin Free, Contac Cold + Flu (Day Formula), Dilotab II, Excedrin Sinus Headache, Mapap Sinus Congestion and Pain, Non-Pseudo Sinus Pain & Pressure, Robitussin Peak Cold Nasal Relief, Sinus Congestion and Pain Daytime Cool Ice, Sudafed PE Pressure + Pain, Sudafed PE Sinus Headache, Suphedrine PE Sinus Headache, Tylenol Plus Children's Cold & Stuffy Nose, Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain Daytime, Vicks Dayquil Sinus

Acetaminophen / phenylephrine Pregnancy Warnings

Acetaminophen has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. It is routinely used for short-term pain relief and fever in all stages of pregnancy. Acetaminophen is believed to be safe in pregnancy when used intermittently for short durations. Phenylephrine has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Acetaminophen-phenylephrine is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

Two cases of acetaminophen overdose in late pregnancy have been reported. In both cases neither the neonate nor the mother suffered hepatic toxicity. Investigations have revealed conflicting results with regards to the pharmacokinetic disposition of acetaminophen in pregnant women. One study has suggested that the oral clearance of acetaminophen is 58% higher and the elimination half-life is 28% longer in pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women. Another study has suggested that the elimination half-life is not different in patients who are pregnant. That study also suggested that the volume of distribution of acetaminophen may be higher in pregnant women. One study has suggested that acetaminophen in typical oral doses may result in a reduced production of prostacyclin in pregnant women. That study also suggested that acetaminophen does not affect thromboxane production.

Acetaminophen / phenylephrine Breastfeeding Warnings

One small study has reported that following a 1000 mg dose of acetaminophen to nursing mothers, nursing infants receive less than 1.85% of the weight-adjusted maternal oral dose. One case of a rash has been reported in a nursing infant whose mother was receiving acetaminophen.

There are no data on the excretion of the combination product acetaminophen-phenylephrine into human milk. Acetaminophen is excreted into human milk in small concentrations. Acetaminophen is considered compatible with breast-feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Small amounts of phenylephrine appears to be excreted into breast milk. The manufacturer of the Lusonal brand of phenylephrine recommends that due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

See Also...

• acetaminophen/phenylephrine Consumer Information
• Pregnancy Support Group
• FDA Pregnancy Categories
• Medicine use during Pregnancy
• Medicine use while Breastfeeding
• Safe Medications during Breastfeeding

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