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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, Sudafed 12-Hour, Mucinex D, Advil Cold and Sinus, Zyrtec-D, Vanacof, SudoGest, Allegra-D 24 Hour, Show all 1050 »Coldcough Syrup, Robitussin Cough & Cold D, Allegra-D 12 Hour, Stahist AD, Actifed, Conex, Sinarest, Resperal-DM, Loratadine-D 24 Hour, Claritin-D 24 Hour, Sudafed 24-Hour, Capmist DM, Stahist, Robitussin Allergy & Cough, Duomine, Tusnel, Aleve-D Sinus & Cold, Comtrex Cold and Flu Maximum Strength Tablet, Vicks Nyquil D Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief, Vicks Dayquil Daytime Cold/Flu (old formulation), M-End DMX, Tylenol Cold, Cold Medicine Plus, Robitussin Cold Cough and Flu, Claritin-D 12 Hour, Bromaline, Cetiri D, Theraflu Flu & Cough, Advil Allergy Sinus, Co-Histine Expectorant, Duraflu, Zyrtec-D 12 Hour, Chlo Tuss, Neotuss D, Acticon, Trispec PSE, Mucus Relief D, Advil Cold and Sinus Liqui-Gels, Sudafed Children's Nasal Decongestant, SudoGest 12 Hour, Aprodine, Alka-Seltzer Plus-D Multi-Symptom Sinus & Cold Liquid Gels, Singlet, Sinutab Ex-Strength, Tylenol Cold + Flu Multi-Action, Tylenol Sinus NightTime, Actifed Cold and Sinus, Semprex-D, Dimetane DX, Pseubrom, Nacon, Panatuss PED, Novadyne DH, Hayfebrol Liquid, Clarinex-D 12 Hour, Disophrol, Tussin Cough and Cold, Decongestant Cold Formula, DiHydro-GP, Actifed Allergy Day/Night, SRC Expectorant, Dynex HD, Entex PSE, Entex T, GP 500, Mucus D, Sinufed, Respaire-30, Mucinex D Maximum Strength, Allergy & Congestion Relief, Sudafed 12 Hour Pressure+Pain, Entex, Afrinol, Comtrex Acute Head Cold, Childrens Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Codimal, Kolephrin, Sinarest Extra Strength, Tylenol Severe Cold & Flu Night Time, Theraflu Max-D Severe Cold & Flu, Daytime Cold and Flu Relief, Theraflu (pseudoephedrine) Daytime Severe Cold, Pseudoephedrine Sinus, Sinarest Sinus, Myphetane DX, Brometane DX, M-END, Brofed, Dimetapp Elixir, Bromhist Pediatric, Bromfenex, Sildec, Respi-Tann, Corzall, Carbodex DM Drops, Dynatuss, Wal-Zyr D, Clofera, Children's Nyquil, Hydrocof-HC, VisRx Dose Pack, Deconamine, Clorfed, Orlenta, Isophen-DF, Suclor, De-Congestine, Dicel, Pseudoephedrine Plus, Novahistine Expectorant, Nucodine, Polyhist NC, Drexophed SR, Drixoral Cold and Allergy, TanaCof DM, Tanafed DMX, D-Hist D, Rescon, Robitussin CF, Despec DM, Benylin Multi-Symptom, Allegra-D 24 Hour Allergy & Congestion, Hycofenix, Versacaps, Decongest II, Desal II, Pseudovent, Dynex, Medent, Despec-SR, Dristan Sinus, Motrin Cold and Flu, Loratadine-D 12 Hour, Allergy Relief D12, Allergy Relief D 24 Hour, Suphedrine, Novafed, Cenafed, Contac Cold, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy, Ridifed, Allerfrin, Dristan Cold Maximum Strength, Theraflu Flu, Cold and Cough Powder, Comtrex Day and Night, Cough Formula M Multi-Symptom, Comtrex Cold and Flu Maximum Strength Liquid, Genacol Maximum Strength, Contac Cold and Flu Maximum Strength, Allpanto-S, Co-Apap, Theracaps Multi-Symptom Cough & Cold Reliever, Triaminic Flu, Cough & Fever, Comtrex Sinus and Nasal, Comtrex Nighttime Flu Therapy, Simplet, Tricom, Comtrex Allergy Sinus, Allerest Sinus, Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Comtrex Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength, Comtrex Allergy Sinus Night and Day, Allerest Headache Strength, Triaminicin, Sinutab Maximum Strength Caplets, Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength, Actifed Cold & Sinus, Tavist Allergy/Sinus/Headache, Maxiflu CD, 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, Flutabs, Maxiflu DM, Tusnel-A, Theraflu Flu Cold & Cough, 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, Severe Cold Multi-Symptom, Daytime Cold, Benadryl 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 Day/Night Convenience Pack, Tylenol Sinus Severe Congestion Daytime, Sudafed Triple Action, Sinus Maximum Strength, 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, Ephed Plus, Sinus Relief, Dristan Cold Non-Drowsy, Contac Sinus, Sine-Off Maximum Strength, Sinutab Regular Strength, Tylenol Sinus Maximum Strength, Genapap Sinus, Suphedrin Plus, Phenapap, Nexafed Sinus Pressure + Pain, Sinutab Maximum Strength, 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, Dimetapp DM, 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, 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, Lodrane, LoHist PSB, Bromfed PD, Bromfed SR, Bidhist-D, Lodrane 12D, Rynex PSE, Lodrane D, BroveX PSE, BroveX PD, BroveX PSB, B-Vex PD, Endafed, Touro A&H, Shellcap, Allent, Shellcap PD, Lodrane LD, Nalfed PD, Respahist, Iofed PD, Ultrabrom PD, Pseubrom-PD, 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, Dimaphen, 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, Maldec, Palgic-D, Andec-TR, Carbic-D, Dura-Ron, 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, Panatuss PED Drops, Vanacof DX, Vanatab DX, Certuss-D, Rondec-D, 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, Co-Histine DH, Ryna-C, Codahistine-DH Elixir, Rhinosyn-DM, 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, 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, Histatab, Histade CR, Chlor-Trimeton Decongestant, Duotan, Durafed, Biohist LA (old formulation), Deconamine SR, Novafed A, Duratuss DA, Histalet, Fedahist, Tanafed, Chlorafed HS Timecelles, Codimal-LA, Kronofed-A-Jr, Dura-Tap/PD, Fedahist Timecaps, 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, Clorfed II, 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, Suphedrine Plus, Atrohist Pediatric Capsule, Allerest Maximum Strength, 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, Neo AC, Triacin C, Allerfrin with Codeine, Triafed & Codeine, Trifed C, Pseudodine C, Clarinex-D 24 Hour, Deka, Desihist SA, Dexophed, Disobrom, 12 Hour Cold, Dexaphen SA, Drixomed, Pharmadrine, Dixaphedrine, Tannate DMP-DEX, C-Phed DPD Tann, DuraTan Forte, Bromatan Plus, Dur-Tann Forte, TanDur DM, SuTan-DM, Tannate PD-DM, Deltuss DMX, Abatuss DMX, Polaramine Expectorant, DuraHist D, Histatab D, Duotan PD, Tanafed DP, AllerDur, SuTan, Deltuss DP, 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, Balminil DM + Decongestant + Expectorant, 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, Z-COF 12, 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, Tusnel Pediatric, Touro CC-LD, Relacon-DM NR, Despec Drops, Pseudo Cough, 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, Buckley's DM Decongestant, 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, Uni-Cof Expectorant, Hydro-Tussin EXP, Pancof EXP, Welltuss EXP, Tavist NightTime Allergy, Benadryl Children's Allergy And Sinus, Benadryl Allergy Sinus, Respa SA, Tekral, Benaphen Plus, Lortuss LQ, Allegra-D 12 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, Entex HC, Pseudatex HC, 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, Deco-D, Tenar PSE, Guaifed-PSE, Abletex-PSE, Guiadrine PSE 120, Guai-Vent/PSE, Guaifenex PSE 120, Hi Tex PSE, Guiatex PSE, Guai Sudo, Guaipax PSE, Iotex PSE, Ami-Tex PSE, Pseudo-G/PSI, 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, Venbid TR, Degen II, Robafen PE, Guaivent (Ethex), Tusnel Pediatric Drops, Altarussin PE, S-Pack, Sudafed Non Drying Sinus, Sinutab Non Drying, Robitussin Severe Congestion, Uni Tussin PE, Humibid GC, Med-RX, Nasabid SR, Panmist LA, Panmist JR, H 9600 SR, Pseudovent Ped, Guaifenex GP, 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, Guaifenex PSE 85, Poly-Vent, Poly-Vent, Jr., Nomuc-PE, Maxifed-G, Maxifed, Pseudo GG TR, Ru-Tuss Jr., ExeFen, Ambi 60/1000, Ambi 60/580, Ambi 80/780, Aquatab D Dose Pack, Protuss-D, Procof D, Rezira, Tussafin, 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 Childrens Cold, Motrin Sinus Headache, Advil Children's Cold, Clear-Atadine-D, Alavert D-12 Hour Allergy and Sinus, Leader Allergy Relief D-24, AllerClear D-24 Hour, Sudatrate, AlleRx Dose Pack (AM Dose), Amdry-D, Extendryl PSE, Respivent-D, Allerx-D, Sinus & Cold D, 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, Genaphed, Ridafed, Seudotabs, Sudrine, Superfed, Chlor-Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Zephrex-D, Decofed Liquid, Efidac, Decofed, Kid Kare Drops, Myfedrine, Sudodrin, Elixsure Decongestant, Unifed, 12 Hour Decongestant, 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant, Viravan-P, Seldane-D, Hist-PSE, Ed A-Hist PSE, Allerfrim, Zymine-D, Pediatex TD, Allercon, Genac, Triafed, Triposed, Allerphed, Triofed, Aphedrid, A-Phedrin, Actedril, Atridine, Atrofed, Atrogen, Hista-Tabs, LA Nasal Decongestant, Tri-Sudo, Triphed, Vi-Sudo, Triptifed, Actagen, Altafed, Biofed-PE, Histafed, 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

Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

Further information

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