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Pseudoephedrine use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 12, 2024.

Drugs containing Pseudoephedrine: Bromfed DM, Sudafed Congestion, Mucinex D, Claritin-D, Sudafed 12-Hour, Zyrtec-D, Advil Cold and Sinus, Sinarest, Allegra-D 24 Hour, SudoGest, Show all 1050 »Actifed, Allegra-D 12 Hour, Vanacof, Bromaline, Stahist AD, Claritin-D 24 Hour, Capmist DM, Cold Medicine Plus, Tusnel, Loratadine-D 24 Hour, Vicks Nyquil D Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief, Zyrtec-D 12 Hour, Sudafed Children's Nasal Decongestant, Hayfebrol Liquid, Daytime Cold and Flu Relief, Coldcough Syrup, Mucinex D Maximum Strength, Aprodine, Tylenol Cold, Sinadrin Plus, Duraflu, Actifed Cold and Sinus, Dimetapp DM, Dimaphen, Conex, Claritin-D 12 Hour, AllerClear D-24 Hour, Sudafed 24-Hour, Childrens Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Resperal-DM, Brofed, Bromhist Pediatric, Duomine, Decongestant Cold Formula, Entex, Flutabs, Vicks Dayquil Daytime Cold/Flu (old formulation), Tylenol Sinus Maximum Strength, Stahist, Lodrane, Shellcap, Allergy Relief D, Cetiri D, Children's Nyquil, Clorfed, Tanafed, Codimal-LA, Duralex, Bromatan Plus, Trispec PSE, Congestac, Zephrex, Decongest II, Ambifed-G, Guaifenex PSE 85, Advil Cold and Sinus Liqui-Gels, Allerfrin, Comtrex Cold and Flu Maximum Strength Tablet, Singlet, Codimal, Tavist Allergy/Sinus/Headache, Drixoral Cold/Flu, Robitussin Cold Cough and Flu, Tylenol Cold Severe Congestion Daytime, Contac Severe Cold and Flu Non Drowsy, Contact Cold and Sore Throat, Actifed Sinus Day and Night, Benadryl Allergy Sinus Headache, Suphedrin Plus, Pseudoephedrine Sinus, BromTann/DM Tann/PSE Tann, Bromanate DX Cough, Bromophed-DX, Brometane DX, Bromfed PD, Bromfenex, Pseubrom, Bromhist Pediatric Drops, Allergy D-12, Chlo Tuss, AccuHist PDX Drops, A-G Tussin, Allergy DN, Chlorafed HS Timecelles, D-Amine-SR, Rinade-BID, Brexin LA, Anaplex, Dicel, Dihistine, Coditussin DAC, Cycofed, Trifed C, Clarinex-D 24 Hour, Disobrom, Drixoral Cold and Allergy, SuTan-DM, Deltuss DMX, Poly-Vent DM, Robitussin CF, Ambi 80/780/40, Despec DM, Hycofenix, Versacaps, Deco-D, Mucus D, Coldmist Jr, ExeFen, Mucus Relief D, Pancof HC, Dristan Sinus, Loratadine-D 12 Hour, Alavert D-12 Hour Allergy and Sinus, Nexafed Nasal Decongestant, Chlor-Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Contac Cold, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy, SudoGest 12 Hour, Triptifed, Ritifed, Comtrex Acute Head Cold, 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, Theraflu Flu & Cough, Allpanto-S, 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, Sinutab Ex-Strength, 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, Maxiflu CD, Maxiflu CDX, Complete Sinus Relief, Drixoral Allergy Sinus, Drixoral Cold and Flu, Drixoral Sinus, Hexaflu, Contac Day and Night Cold and Flu, All-Nite Cold, Tylenol Severe Cold & Flu Night Time, Multi-Symptom Nighttime, NyCair, All-Nite Multi-Symptom Cold/Flu Relief, Phlemgesic, Balminil Cough and Flu Sugar Free, Theraflu Max-D Severe Cold & Flu, Maxiflu DM, Tusnel-A, Theraflu Flu Cold & Cough, Tylenol Cold + Flu Multi-Action, Alka-Seltzer Plus Flu/Body, Comtrex Non-Drowsy, Day Time Multi Symptom, Non-Drowsy Super Strength Contac Complete, Day Relief Cold and Flu, Tylenol Cold Non-Drowsy Gelcaps, Daytime Non-Drowsy, Theraflu (pseudoephedrine) Daytime Severe Cold, 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, Tylenol Sinus NightTime, 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, 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, Genapap Sinus, Phenapap, Nexafed Sinus Pressure + Pain, Sinarest Sinus, Sinutab Maximum Strength, Semprex-D, 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, Bromdex D, Neo DM Syrup, Dallergy DM, Dimetane DX, Myphetane DX, Bromatane DX, Myphetane DX Cough, 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, Robitussin Allergy & Cough, Allanhist PDX Drops, Histacol BD Drops, Brom Tann, ProHist DM, P-Hist DM Drops, Carbodex DM Syrup, Sildec DM, J-Cof DHC, M-END, Drocon-CS, Anaplex HD, Bromplex HD, Bromph HD, Visvex, Bromcomp HC, Endacof HC, Brovex HC, SymTan A, J-Tan D HC, LoHist PSB, Bromfed SR, Bidhist-D, Lodrane 12D, Dimetapp Elixir, Rynex PSE, Lodrane D, BroveX PSE, BroveX PD, BroveX PSB, B-Vex PD, Endafed, Touro A&H, 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, Sildec, Q-Tapp, 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, Respi-Tann, Corzall, Allres Pd, Allres D, Pseudacarb, Zotex-D, Corzall Plus, Andehist DM NR, Carbodex DM Drops, Cordron-DM, Dynatuss, 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, Nacon, 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, KS Aller-Tec D-12, Up and Up All Day Allergy Relief D, All Day Allergy-D, 12 Hour Allergy-D, Wal-Zyr D, Biclora-D, Panatuss PED Drops, Panatuss PED, Vanacof DX, Vanatab DX, Certuss-D, Rondec-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, Codahistine-DH Elixir, Neotuss D, 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, 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, KG-Tussin, P-V-Tussin Syrup, Hydrotuss HC, Hydron PCS, Hydrocof-HC, Cordron-HC, Cordron-HC NR, Atuss HD, Atuss HS, Advil Allergy Sinus, 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, 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, Deconamine SR, Novafed A, Duratuss DA, Histalet, Fedahist, Kronofed-A-Jr, Dura-Tap/PD, Fedahist Timecaps, Orlenta, Chlorphedrin SR, Colfed-A, Deconomed SR, Pseudocot-C, Suphenamine-SR, Isophen-DF, Kronofed-A, ND Clear, Chlordrine SR, Anamine TD, Time-Hist, Chlorafed Timecelles, Rescon-Ed, Pseudochlor, Cophene No 2, 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, Suclor, Re2+30, Sudal-12, Pediox Chewable, C-Phed Tannate, De-Congestine, Sudal-12 Chewable, Sudal-12 Tannate, SudaHist, AccuHist Drops (old formulation), LoHist-D, Triaminic Softchews Cold and Allergy, Pseudoephedrine Plus, 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, Novahistine Expectorant, Nucofed Expectorant, Tussar-2, Deproist with Codeine, Co-Histine Expectorant, 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, Gua PC, Codahistine Expectorant, Novagest with Codeine, Suttar SF, Codafed, Suttar-2, Codafed Pediatric, Guaifenesin DAC, Zodryl DEC, Codar D, Nucofed, EndaCof-DC, Notuss-DC, KG-Fed, Nucodine, Neo AC, Polyhist NC, Triacin C, Allerfrin with Codeine, Triafed & Codeine, Pseudodine C, Clarinex-D 12 Hour, Deka, M-End DMX, Drexophed SR, Desihist SA, Dexophed, Disophrol, Acticon, 12 Hour Cold, Dexaphen SA, Drixomed, Pharmadrine, Dixaphedrine, Tannate DMP-DEX, C-Phed DPD Tann, DuraTan Forte, Dur-Tann Forte, TanDur DM, Tannate PD-DM, Abatuss DMX, TanaCof DM, Tanafed DMX, 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, 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, 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, Tussin Cough and Cold, Protuss DM, Med-RX DM, Tussafed-LA, Touro CC, Robitussin Cough & Cold D, 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, DiHydro-GP, Uni-Cof Expectorant, Hydro-Tussin EXP, Pancof EXP, Welltuss EXP, Benylin Multi-Symptom, Actifed Allergy Day/Night, 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, Allegra-D 24 Hour Allergy & Congestion, Entuss-D JR, Decotuss-HD, Vanex Expectorant, Tussadur-HD, Tussend Expectorant, Detussin Expectorant, Tussgen Expectorant, SRC 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, Entex PSE, Nalex CR, Mardrops-EX, Zephrex LA, Pan-Mist LA, Poly-Vent IR, Medent-LDI, Despec-Tab, Entex T, 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, Desal II, Tenar PSE, GP 500, 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, Sinufed, Venbid TR, Degen II, Robafen PE, Guaivent (Ethex), Respaire-30, 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, Pseudovent Ped, 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, Sudal SR, Pseudo Max, Pseudovent 400, Levall G, Guaifenex PSE 80, Medent, Pseudatex, Touro LA-LD, Aldex GS, Despec-SR, Poly-Vent, Poly-Vent, Jr., Nomuc-PE, Maxifed-G, Maxifed, Pseudo GG TR, Ru-Tuss Jr., 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, 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 Children's Cold, Clear-Atadine-D, Allergy Relief D12, Leader Allergy Relief D-24, Allergy & Congestion Relief, Allergy Relief D 24 Hour, Sudatrate, AlleRx Dose Pack (AM Dose), Amdry-D, Extendryl PSE, Respivent-D, Allerx-D, Aleve-D Sinus & Cold, Sinus & Cold D, Sudafed 12 Hour Pressure+Pain, Aleve-D Sinus & Headache, Quadra-Hist D Pediatric, Quadra-Hist D, nasofed, Silfedrine, Suphedrin, Suphedrine, ElixSure Congestion, Children's Dimetapp Decongestant Infant, Allermed, Novafed, Cenafed, Genaphed, Ridafed, Seudotabs, Sudrine, Superfed, Afrinol, 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, Ridifed, Tri-Sudo, Triphed, Vi-Sudo, Actagen, Altafed, Biofed-PE, Histafed, Triacin, 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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