Can You Take Sudafed While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Sudafed While Breastfeeding?

If you're a breastfeeding parent and wondering about taking Sudafed, the good news is that it’s generally considered safe2 

Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that helps relieve nasal congestion. While pseudoephedrine can potentially pass into breast milk, it is unlikely to cause significant harm to your breastfeeding baby when used in recommended doses.

However, it's important to use Sudafed cautiously and for short durations, as prolonged use may decrease milk supply1  in some parents. If maintaining a robust milk supply is a priority for you, you may want to consider alternative decongestant options that don’t contain pseudoephedrine. Nasal sprays or saline rinses can also provide relief without impacting your milk supply.

As always, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. Natinal Library of Medicine"Pseudoephedrine"Apr 19, 2020https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501085/.

  2. Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm.D., M.S., FASCP "Effects of Sudafed when breastfeeding"Jul 11, 2016https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/sudafed-breastfeeding.


Share via
Updated on Dec 3, 2023

Related Articles


Get the Newsletter

Evidence-based health and wellness resources for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum.

Share via

Can You Take Sudafed While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Sudafed While Breastfeeding?

If you're a breastfeeding parent and wondering about taking Sudafed, the good news is that it’s generally considered safe2 

Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that helps relieve nasal congestion. While pseudoephedrine can potentially pass into breast milk, it is unlikely to cause significant harm to your breastfeeding baby when used in recommended doses.

However, it's important to use Sudafed cautiously and for short durations, as prolonged use may decrease milk supply1  in some parents. If maintaining a robust milk supply is a priority for you, you may want to consider alternative decongestant options that don’t contain pseudoephedrine. Nasal sprays or saline rinses can also provide relief without impacting your milk supply.

As always, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. Natinal Library of Medicine"Pseudoephedrine"Apr 19, 2020https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501085/.

  2. Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm.D., M.S., FASCP "Effects of Sudafed when breastfeeding"Jul 11, 2016https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/sudafed-breastfeeding.


Share via