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Pseudoephedrine use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 6, 2023.

Drugs containing Pseudoephedrine: Bromfed DM, Sudafed Congestion, Claritin-D, Mucinex D, Zyrtec-D, Sudafed 12-Hour, Advil Cold and Sinus, Allegra-D 24 Hour, Allegra-D 12 Hour, Actifed, Show all 1050 »Stahist AD, SudoGest, Resperal-DM, Claritin-D 24 Hour, Vanacof, Tusnel, Sinarest, Robitussin Cold Cough and Flu, Conex, Robitussin Cough & Cold D, Sudafed 24-Hour, Vicks Nyquil D Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief, Coldcough Syrup, Aprodine, Cetiri D, Capmist DM, Duomine, Claritin-D 12 Hour, Comtrex Cold and Flu Maximum Strength Tablet, Co-Histine Expectorant, Acticon, Guaifenex PSE 85, Loratadine-D 24 Hour, Aleve-D Sinus & Cold, Sinutab Ex-Strength, Cold Medicine Plus, Stahist, Clorfed II, Histafed, Childrens Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Bromaline, Zyrtec-D 12 Hour, Wal-Zyr D, Panatuss PED, Children's Nyquil, M-End DMX, Drixoral Cold and Allergy, Entex PSE, Mucinex D Maximum Strength, AllerClear D-24 Hour, Suphedrine, Afrinol, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy, Cough Formula M Multi-Symptom, Theraflu Flu & Cough, Tylenol Cold, Maxiflu CD, Flutabs, Daytime Cold and Flu Relief, Semprex-D, Pseubrom, Respi-Tann, Maldec, Dura-Ron, Neotuss D, Advil Allergy Sinus, Clorfed, Clarinex-D 12 Hour, Drexophed SR, Disophrol, Dixaphedrine, Trispec PSE, Tusnel Pediatric, Despec DM, Actifed Allergy Day/Night, Tekral, SRC Expectorant, Versacaps, Loratadine-D 12 Hour, Entex, Unifed, 12 Hour Decongestant, Actedril, Allerfrin, Comtrex Acute Head Cold, Allpanto-S, Singlet, Codimal, Tylenol Severe Cold & Flu Night Time, Vicks Dayquil Daytime Cold/Flu (old formulation), Benadryl Cold, Sinus Maximum Strength, Ephed Plus, Sinus Relief, Sinutab Regular Strength, Tylenol Sinus Maximum Strength, Dimetapp DM, Dimetane DX, Brometane DX, Robitussin Allergy & Cough, M-END, Lodrane, Brofed, Dimetapp Elixir, Allent, Sildec, Dimaphen, Corzall, Carbodex DM Drops, Dynatuss, Nacon, Rondec-D, Codahistine-DH Elixir, Rhinosyn-DM, Deconamine SR, Isophen-DF, Allerest Maximum Strength, Suclor, De-Congestine, Dicel, Pseudoephedrine Plus, Novahistine Expectorant, Disobrom, Deltuss DMX, Abatuss DMX, TanaCof DM, Tanafed DMX, Robitussin CF, Balminil DM + Decongestant + Expectorant, Z-COF 12, Tussin Cough and Cold, Pseudo Cough, Buckley's DM Decongestant, Decongestant Cold Formula, Benylin Multi-Symptom, Allegra-D 12 Hour Allergy & Congestion, Entex T, GP 500, Guiadrine PSE 120, Respaire-30, Sinutab Non Drying, Pseudovent Ped, Medent, Tussafin, Dristan Sinus, Allergy Relief D12, Allergy & Congestion Relief, Cenafed, Zephrex-D, Sudafed Children's Nasal Decongestant, Efidac, 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant, Zymine-D, Triafed, Actagen, Dristan Cold Maximum Strength, Theraflu Flu, Cold and Cough Powder, Comtrex Day and Night, Comtrex Cold and Flu Maximum Strength Liquid, Genacol Maximum Strength, Contac Cold and Flu Maximum Strength, Co-Apap, Theracaps Multi-Symptom Cough & Cold Reliever, Alka-Seltzer Plus-D Multi-Symptom Sinus & Cold Liquid Gels, Triaminic Flu, Cough & Fever, Comtrex Sinus and Nasal, Comtrex Nighttime Flu Therapy, Simplet, Tricom, Comtrex Allergy Sinus, Kolephrin, Allerest Sinus, Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Comtrex Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength, Comtrex Allergy Sinus Night and Day, Allerest Headache Strength, Sinarest Extra Strength, Triaminicin, Sinutab Maximum Strength Caplets, Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength, Actifed Cold & Sinus, Tavist Allergy/Sinus/Headache, Maxiflu CDX, Drixoral Cold/Flu, Complete Sinus Relief, Sinadrin Plus, Drixoral Allergy Sinus, Drixoral Cold and Flu, Drixoral Sinus, Hexaflu, Contac Day and Night Cold and Flu, All-Nite Cold, Multi-Symptom Nighttime, NyCair, All-Nite Multi-Symptom Cold/Flu Relief, Tylenol Cold Severe Congestion Daytime, Phlemgesic, Balminil Cough and Flu Sugar Free, Theraflu Max-D Severe Cold & Flu, Duraflu, Maxiflu DM, Tusnel-A, Theraflu Flu Cold & Cough, Tylenol Cold + Flu Multi-Action, Alka-Seltzer Plus Flu/Body, Comtrex Non-Drowsy, Contac Severe Cold and Flu Non Drowsy, Day Time Multi Symptom, Non-Drowsy Super Strength Contac Complete, Contact Cold and Sore Throat, Day Relief Cold and Flu, Tylenol Cold Non-Drowsy Gelcaps, Daytime Non-Drowsy, Theraflu (pseudoephedrine) Daytime Severe Cold, Severe Cold Multi-Symptom, Daytime Cold, Contac Day and Night Allergy, Sudafed Sinus Nighttime Plus Pain, Tylenol Allergy Complete NightTime, Benadryl Severe Allergy & Sinus Headache, Actifed Sinus Day and Night, Tylenol Sinus NightTime, Tylenol Sinus Day/Night Convenience Pack, Tylenol Sinus Severe Congestion Daytime, Sudafed Triple Action, Suphedrin Sinus, Ornex Maximum Strength, Allerest No Drowsiness, Sudogest Sinus Maximum Strength, Benadryl Allergy Sinus Headache, Tavist Sinus, Ornex, Sinutab Maximum Strength Non Drowsy, Bayer Select Sinus Pain Formula, Dristan Cold Non-Drowsy, Contac Sinus, Sine-Off Maximum Strength, Genapap Sinus, Suphedrin Plus, Phenapap, Nexafed Sinus Pressure + Pain, Pseudoephedrine Sinus, Sinarest Sinus, Sinutab Maximum Strength, Actifed Cold and Sinus, Ursinus, Ru-Tuss, Respa-AR, Sta-D, Trinalin Repetabs, Atuss DA, Y-Tuss, Dicel CD, SymPak II, M-End WC, Mar-cof BP, Rydex, Mesehist WC, Uni-Hist DM Pediatric Syrup, AccuHist DM Pediatric Syrup, Bromhist-DM, Pediahist DM Syrup, Histacol DM Pediatric Syrup, EndaCof PD Drops, AccuHist DM Pediatric Drops, PediaHist DM, BroveX PSE DM Tablets, BroveX PSE DM, PBM Allergy, BroveX PSB DM, Anaplex DMX, BromTann/DM Tann/PSE Tann, Bromdex D, Neo DM Syrup, Dallergy DM, Myphetane DX, Bromanate DX Cough, Bromatane DX, Myphetane DX Cough, Bromophed-DX, Liquiphed DM, Bromadine-DM, Anaplex DM, Bromphenex DM, Brotapp-DM, Andehist DM NR Syrup, Bromtapp-DM, Bromaxefed DM RF Syrup, PSE Brom DM, Bromaline DM, Carbofed DM Syrup, Uni-Hist DM Pediatric Drops, Bromplex DM, Bromhist-DM Drops, Pediahist DM Drops, Q-Tapp DM, Bromph DM, Uni-Hist PDX Drops, Allanhist PDX Drops, Histacol BD Drops, Brom Tann, ProHist DM, P-Hist DM Drops, Carbodex DM Syrup, Sildec DM, J-Cof DHC, Drocon-CS, Anaplex HD, Bromplex HD, Bromph HD, Visvex, Bromcomp HC, Endacof HC, Brovex HC, SymTan A, J-Tan D HC, LoHist PSB, Bromfed PD, Bromfed SR, Bidhist-D, Lodrane 12D, Rynex PSE, Lodrane D, BroveX PSE, BroveX PD, BroveX PSB, B-Vex PD, Bromhist Pediatric, Endafed, Touro A&H, Shellcap, Shellcap PD, Lodrane LD, Nalfed PD, Respahist, Iofed PD, Ultrabrom PD, Pseubrom-PD, Bromfenex, Bromfenex PD, Histex SR, M-Hist TD, Ultrabrom, Iofed, Lodrane Liquid, Nalfed, Touro Allergy, Andehist NR Syrup, Bromaxefed RF Syrup, Q-Tapp, Bromhist Pediatric Drops, AccuHist Pediatric, Unit-Tex 10/120 ER, Unit-Hist Drops, Di-Bromm, Bromhist-NR, Brotapp, Brovex SR, Lodrane 24D, LoHist-PD, LoHist-12D, J-TanD PD, Exall-D, Re-Tann, Respi-Tann Pd, Carb Pseudo-Tan, Allres Pd, Allres D, Pseudacarb, Zotex-D, Corzall Plus, Andehist DM NR, Cordron-DM, Tussafed, Biodec DM, Rondamine DM, Maldec-DM, Cydec-DM Syrup, Dura-Ron DM, Cydec-DM Drops, Carbaxef-DM, Carbofed DM Drops, Decahist-DM, Pediatex-DM, Cordron-DM NR, Pseudo Carb DM, Mintex DM, PSE Carbinoxamine DM, PSE Carb DM Drops, Carboxine DM, Carboxine 12 DM, Carb PSE 12 DM, PSE Allergy DM, Cordron-12 DM, Pediatex 12 DM, Tri-Vent HC, Histex HC, Mintex HC, Pannaz S, Pseudox M, Pannaz, Biohist LA, Coldec D, Coldec, Carbodec, Pediatex 12D, Carboxine 12D, Carbiset, Cydec, Palgic-DC, Andec, Mooredec, Rondamine, Cardec-S, Palgic-D, Andec-TR, Carbic-D, Ex-Dec-TR, Coldec-TR, Andehist, Hydro-Tussin CBX, Carboxine-PSE, Cordron-D, Pediatex-D, Cordron-D NR, Cordron-12 D, Pseudo Carb, Carboxine-D, PSE Allergy, Mintex PSE, Palgic DS, Allergy D-12, KS Aller-Tec D-12, Up and Up All Day Allergy Relief D, All Day Allergy-D, 12 Hour Allergy-D, Allergy Relief D, Biclora-D, Chlo Tuss, Panatuss PED Drops, Vanacof DX, Vanatab DX, Certuss-D, Clofera, Ninjacof-D, Poly-Tussin D, Notuss-NXD, Statuss Green, NasOpen, Dihistine DH, Tricode AR, Zodryl DAC, Phenylhistine DH, Decohistine DH, Codehist DH, Phenylhistine DH Expectorant, Novadyne DH, Co-Histine DH, Ryna-C, Vicks 44M Pediatric, Creomulsion Cough/Cold/Allergy, Creomulsion Pediatric, Kidcare Cough and Cold, Rescon-DM, Tanafed-DM, C-Phed DM, M-End DM, Atuss-12 DM, Dicel DM, Atuss DS, Entre-S, Maxichlor PSE DM, Kidkare Cough/Cold, Neutrahist PDX Drops, AccuHist PDX Drops, CPM-PSE DM Drops, Esocor P, Mesehist DM, Triaminic-D Multi-Symptom Cold, Allres DS, Duotan DM, T-Tanna DM, Pedia Relief Cough-Cold, Pancof, Tricof, Hydro-Tussin DHC, Dihydro-CP, Uni-Cof, Z-Tuss 2, Lemohist Plus, Zutripro, Notuss-Forte, Notuss, Detuss, Histinex PV, JayCof-HC, Pediatex HC, Tussend, Welltuss HC, Hexatussin, Hyphed, Tussin-V, Q-V Tussin, A-G Tussin, KG-Tussin, P-V-Tussin Syrup, Hydrotuss HC, Hydron PCS, Hydrocof-HC, Cordron-HC, Cordron-HC NR, Atuss HD, Atuss HS, Advil Children's Allergy Sinus, AlleRx Dose Pack, DryMax, DuraHist, Xiral SR, RelCof DN PSE, Dallergy PSE, Relcof PSE, Mescolor, Hista-Vent PSE, PCM-LA, Amdry-C, Time-Hist QD, AllePak, Rhinaclear, Allergy DN, Pseudo CM TR, Coldamine, ScopoHist, Allergy AM-PM Dose Pack, VisRx Dose Pack, Histatab, Histade CR, Chlor-Trimeton Decongestant, Duotan, Durafed, Biohist LA (old formulation), Deconamine, Novafed A, Duratuss DA, Histalet, Fedahist, Tanafed, Chlorafed HS Timecelles, Codimal-LA, Kronofed-A-Jr, Dura-Tap/PD, Fedahist Timecaps, Orlenta, Chlorphedrin SR, Colfed-A, D-Amine-SR, Deconomed SR, Pseudocot-C, Duralex, Rinade-BID, Suphenamine-SR, Kronofed-A, ND Clear, Chlordrine SR, Anamine TD, Time-Hist, Chlorafed Timecelles, Brexin LA, Rescon-Ed, Pseudochlor, Cophene No 2, Anaplex, Anamine, Klerist-D, Codimal-LA Half, Fedahist Gyrocaps, Curaler, Chlorafed, Histafed LA, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy Decongestant, Aller-Chlor Decongestant, Sudogest Plus, Neutrahist Drops, Ryna Liquid, Sudogest Cold & Allergy, Genaphed Plus, SudoGest Sinus & Allergy, Hayfebrol Liquid, Suphedrine Plus, Atrohist Pediatric Capsule, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy Decongestant SR, Tavist-DA, Dynahist-ER Pediatric, CP-Tannic, Histade, Mintex, Re2+30, Sudal-12, Pediox Chewable, C-Phed Tannate, Sudal-12 Chewable, Sudal-12 Tannate, SudaHist, AccuHist Drops (old formulation), LoHist-D, Triaminic Softchews Cold and Allergy, Qdall, Dynahist ER, M-End Max D, Lortuss EX, Tusnel C, Z-Tuss E, Tricode GF, Ambifed CD, Ambifed CDX, Ambifed-G CD, Ambifed-G CDX, Maxifed CD, Maxifed CDX, Maxifed-G CD, Maxifed-G CDX, Virtussin DAC, Robitussin-DAC, Ryna-CX, Medent C, Nucofed Expectorant, Tussar-2, Deproist with Codeine, Decohistine Expectorant, Dihistine Expectorant with Codeine, Dihistine Expectorant, Phenhist Expectorant, Halotussin DAC, Novadyne Expectorant, Nucochem Pediatric Expectorant, Nucochem Expectorant, Nuco-Tuss Pediatric Expectorant, Nucodine Pediatric, Cycofed Expectorant, KG-Fed Expectorant, Nucodine Expectorant, Deconsal C Expectorant, Guaiatussin DAC, Guiatuss DAC, Mytussin DAC, Guiatussin DAC, Cycofed Pediatric Expectorant, KG-Fed Pediatric Expectorant, Nucofed Pediatric Expectorant, Tussar SF, Biotussin DAC, Phenylhistine Expectorant, Cheratussin DAC, Nuco-Tuss Expectorant, Nucochem, Guaifen DAC, Dihistine, Gua PC, Codahistine Expectorant, Novagest with Codeine, Suttar SF, Codafed, Suttar-2, Codafed Pediatric, Coditussin DAC, Guaifenesin DAC, Zodryl DEC, Codar D, Nucofed, EndaCof-DC, Notuss-DC, KG-Fed, Cycofed, Nucodine, Neo AC, Polyhist NC, Triacin C, Allerfrin with Codeine, Triafed & Codeine, Trifed C, Pseudodine C, Clarinex-D 24 Hour, Deka, Desihist SA, Dexophed, 12 Hour Cold, Dexaphen SA, Drixomed, Pharmadrine, Tannate DMP-DEX, C-Phed DPD Tann, DuraTan Forte, Bromatan Plus, Dur-Tann Forte, TanDur DM, SuTan-DM, Tannate PD-DM, Polaramine Expectorant, D-Hist D, DuraHist D, Histatab D, Duotan PD, Tanafed DP, AllerDur, SuTan, Deltuss DP, Rescon, Hexafed, Nalfrx, Lortuss DM, Z-Cof 8DM, Entex Pac, Entre-Cough, Poly-Vent DM, Medent-DMI, Mardrops-DX, Maxifed DM, PanMist DM, Sudafed Cough, Sudafed Cough Syrup, TL-Dex DM, Ambi 600/1000/30, Benylin DM-D-E, Ambi 80/780/40, Calmylin 4, Ambi 60/580/30, Ambifed DM, Tenar DM, Novahistine DM Expectorant with Decongestant, Donatussin DM Syrup, Anatuss DM, Ambenyl-D, Dimacol, Novahistine DMX, Ru-Tuss Expectorant, Rhinosyn-X, Dorcol Childrens Cough, Syn-Rx DM, Guaifenex DM RX, Suda-Tussin DM, Pseudogest-DM, Tusnel Ped-C, Tusnel-DM Pediatric Drops, Medent DM, Daytime Liquicap, Multi Symptom Cough and Cold, Protuss DM, Med-RX DM, Tussafed-LA, Touro CC, Profen Forte DM, Profen II DM, ExeFen-DMX, Profen II DM Liquid, ExeClear-DM, S-Pak DM, Ru-Tuss DM, Aldex GS DM, Relacon-DM, Coldmist DM, Altarussin CF, Z-Cof DM(obs), Ambifed-G DM, Touro CC-LD, Relacon-DM NR, Despec Drops, Relasin DM, Z-Cof DM, Ambi 40 /400 /20, Liquicough DM, Maxifed DMX, Z-Cof 12DM, Trikof-D, Pseudo DM GG, Pseudo Max DMX, SudaTex-DM, Desgen DM (with pseudoephedrine), P-Tuss DM, Dexatrex D, Drixoral Cough & Congestion Liquid Caps, Vicks 44D, Tussin Pediatric Cold and Cough, Balminil DM + Decongestant, Benylin DM-D, Pedia Relief Infant, Viravan-PDM, Pediatex TDM, DiHydro-GP, Uni-Cof Expectorant, Hydro-Tussin EXP, Pancof EXP, Welltuss EXP, Tavist NightTime Allergy, Benadryl Children's Allergy And Sinus, Benadryl Allergy Sinus, Respa SA, Benaphen Plus, Lortuss LQ, Allegra-D 24 Hour Allergy & Congestion, Entuss-D JR, Decotuss-HD, Vanex Expectorant, Tussadur-HD, Tussend Expectorant, Detussin Expectorant, Tussgen Expectorant, Nalex Expectorant, Deconamine CX, Poly-Tussin XP, Entuss-D, Hydrotussin HD, KG-Tuss HD, Medtuss HD, Spantuss HD, Vanacon, Su-Tuss HD Elixir, Tussafin Liquid, Hytussin Expectorant, Drituss HD, Hydro-Tuss XP, Dynex HD, Entex HC, Pseudatex HC, Hycofenix, Nalex CR, Mardrops-EX, Zephrex LA, Congestac, Zephrex, Pan-Mist LA, Poly-Vent IR, Medent-LDI, Despec-Tab, Guaimax-D, Anatuss LA, Touro LA, Fenex-PSE, Nalex, Syn-Rx, Respaire-60 SR, Nasabid, G-Phed, Respaire-120 SR, Guaibid D, Guaifed, Nalex Jr, G-Phed- PD, Sinufed Timecelles, Guaivent PD, Guaibid D Pediatric, Pseudocot-G, Nasatab LA, Eudal SR, Sudal 60/500, Tuss-LA, Stamoist E, V-Dec-M, Duratuss GP (old formulation), Deconsal LA, D-Feda II, Guaifenex PSE 60, Demibid II, Guiadrine II, Iosal II, Respa-1st, Guiatex II, Ambifed, Guiadrine II SR, Defen-LA, Decongest II, Desal II, Deco-D, Tenar PSE, Guaifed-PSE, Abletex-PSE, Guai-Vent/PSE, Guaifenex PSE 120, Hi Tex PSE, Guiatex PSE, Guai Sudo, Guaipax PSE, Iotex PSE, Ami-Tex PSE, Pseudo-G/PSI, Mucus D, Zaptec PSE, Ru-Tuss DE, Guaifenex RX, Guaitab, Biotuss PE, Guiatuss PE, Mastussin PE, Mytussin PE, Q-Tussin PE, Robichem PE, T-Tussin PE, Tusscidin PE, Tussin PE, Sinufed, Venbid TR, Degen II, Robafen PE, Guaivent (Ethex), Tusnel Pediatric Drops, Altarussin PE, S-Pack, Sudafed Non Drying Sinus, Robitussin Severe Congestion, Uni Tussin PE, Humibid GC, Med-RX, Nasabid SR, Panmist LA, Panmist JR, H 9600 SR, Pseudovent, Guaifenex GP, Dynex, ExeFen-IR, Profen II, Profen Forte, Durasal II, Miraphen PSE, Guiadrine PSE, Guiatex II SR, We Mist LA, SudaTex-G, Coldmist, Drituss GP, We Mist II LA, Panmist-S, Pseudo GG, Coldmist LA, Coldmist Jr, Sudal SR, Pseudo Max, Pseudovent 400, Ambifed-G, Levall G, Guaifenex PSE 80, Pseudatex, Touro LA-LD, Aldex GS, Despec-SR, Poly-Vent, Poly-Vent, Jr., Nomuc-PE, Maxifed-G, Maxifed, Pseudo GG TR, Ru-Tuss Jr., ExeFen, Mucus Relief D, Ambi 60/1000, Ambi 60/580, Ambi 80/780, Aquatab D Dose Pack, Protuss-D, Procof D, Rezira, Tussgen, P-V-Tussin, Hytussin, Iotussin D Liquid, Histinex D, Entuss-D Liquid, H-C Tussive D, ColdCough HCM, Pancof HC, SymTan, Liquituss HD, Detussin, Histussin D, Zymine HC, Motrin IB Sinus, Sine-Aid IB, Motrin Cold and Flu, Motrin Childrens Cold, Motrin Sinus Headache, Advil Cold and Sinus Liqui-Gels, Advil Children's Cold, Clear-Atadine-D, Alavert D-12 Hour Allergy and Sinus, Leader Allergy Relief D-24, Allergy Relief D 24 Hour, Sudatrate, AlleRx Dose Pack (AM Dose), Amdry-D, Extendryl PSE, Respivent-D, Allerx-D, Sinus & Cold D, Sudafed 12 Hour Pressure+Pain, Aleve-D Sinus & Headache, Quadra-Hist D Pediatric, Quadra-Hist D, Nexafed Nasal Decongestant, nasofed, Silfedrine, Suphedrin, ElixSure Congestion, Children's Dimetapp Decongestant Infant, Allermed, Novafed, Genaphed, Ridafed, Seudotabs, Sudrine, Superfed, Chlor-Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Decofed Liquid, Decofed, Kid Kare Drops, Myfedrine, Sudodrin, Elixsure Decongestant, Contac Cold, SudoGest 12 Hour, Viravan-P, Seldane-D, Hist-PSE, Ed A-Hist PSE, Allerfrim, Pediatex TD, Allercon, Genac, Triposed, Allerphed, Triofed, Aphedrid, A-Phedrin, Atridine, Atrofed, Atrogen, Hista-Tabs, LA Nasal Decongestant, Ridifed, Tri-Sudo, Triphed, Vi-Sudo, Triptifed, Altafed, Biofed-PE, Triacin, Ritifed, Actacin, Trisofed, Pseudocot-T, Zymine DXR, Trip-PSE, Tripohist D

Pseudoephedrine Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Although the small amounts of pseudoephedrine in breastmilk are unlikely to harm the nursing infant, it may cause irritability occasionally. A single dose of pseudoephedrine decreases milk production acutely and repeated use seems to interfere with lactation. Mothers with newborns whose lactation is not yet well established or in mothers who are having difficulties producing sufficient milk should not receive pseudoephedrine. A treatment scheme has been reported for mothers with hypergalactia that uses pseudoephedrine to decrease milk supply.[1]

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. A single oral dose of 60 mg of pseudoephedrine in 3 women resulted in peak milk levels of less than 1 mg/L 1 hour after the dose.[2] Other authors used data from this study to calculate the amount excreted in milk to be 5.5% of the weight-adjusted maternal dosage.[3]

After a 60 mg oral dose of immediate-release pseudoephedrine, peak milk levels averaging 698 mcg/L occurred 1.7 hours after the dose and half-life in milk was 5.5 hours. A fully breast-fed infant would receive a dose of 4.3% (range 2.2 to 6.7%) of the maternal weight-adjusted dose.[3]

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Mothers reported irritability was reported in 20% of infants exposed to pseudoephedrine in one study of breastfeeding mothers.[4]

All adverse reactions in breastfed infants reported in France between January 1985 and June 2011 were compiled by a French pharmacovigilance center. Of 174 reports, pseudoephedrine was reported to cause adverse reactions in 4 infants, primarily agitation.[5]

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

After a single dose of pseudoephedrine 60 mg orally in 8 nursing mothers, there was a mean 24% decrease in milk production over the following 24 hours. No change in blood flow to the breast was detected that could explain the decreased milk production; there was a 13.5% decrease in serum prolactin after pseudoephedrine, but this change did not achieve statistical significance. Oxytocin levels were not measured.[3]

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Oxymetazoline

References

1.
Johnson HM, Eglash A, Mitchell KB, et al. ABM Clinical Protocol #32: Management of hyperlactation. Breastfeed Med. 2020;15:129–34. [PubMed: 32031417]
2.
Findlay JW, Butz RF, Sailstad JM, et al. Pseudoephedrine and triprolidine in plasma and breast milk of nursing mothers. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1984;18:901–6. [PMC free article: PMC1463694] [PubMed: 6529531]
3.
Aljazaf K, Hale TW, Ilett KF, et al. Pseudoephedrine: effects on milk production in women and estimation of infant exposure via breastmilk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2003;56:18–24. [PMC free article: PMC1884328] [PubMed: 12848771]
4.
Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M, et al. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168:1393–9. [PubMed: 8498418]
5.
Soussan C, Gouraud A, Portolan G, et al. Drug-induced adverse reactions via breastfeeding: A descriptive study in the French Pharmacovigilance Database. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;70:1361–6. [PubMed: 25183382]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Pseudoephedrine

CAS Registry Number

90-82-4

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Adrenergic Agents

Adrenergic Alpha-Agonists

Central Nervous System Stimulants

Sympathomimetics

Vasoconstrictor Agents

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Further information

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