Primatene | Ephedrine Hcl, Guaifenesin Tablet while Breastfeeding

What is Primatene | Ephedrine Hcl, Guaifenesin Tablet used for?

I am currently breastfeeding and I want to know if using Primatene | Ephedrine Hcl, Guaifenesin Tablet is safe for my kid? Does it have any effect on milk production?

Ephedrine hydrochloride while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 299-42-3

An alkaloid derived from ephedra. It has sympathomimetic properties with direct and indirect effects on adrenergic receptors. Used parenterally to treat hypotension derived from spinal or epidural anesthesia due to its peripheral vasoconstrictor effects and improvement of heart tone. Used orally as a bronchodilator mixed in preparations for colds, bronchitis and asthma. Used illegaly as a psychostimulant and for weight loss, with serious health risks (van der Hoof 2002, Gruber 1998). See also information on Ephedra. Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk. Its large volume of distribution makes it unlikely it will pass into milk in significant amounts. After a cesarean section with epidural anesthesia and use of ephedrine there were no side effects in 100 newborns; the time of initial breastfeeding was not delayed with respect to newborns after cesareans under general anesthesia (Havas 2013). The use of ephedrine during delivery or cesarean section is not contraindicated with the early initiation of breastfeeding: as well as the unlikely excretion in breast milk there is a low amount of colostrum obtained by the newborn in the first hours of life. It may be desirable to minimize the continued use of oral preparations for colds/bronchitis which contain ephedrine since a case of crying, irritability and insomnia has been reported in a 3-month-old infant whose mother was taking a medication containing d-isoephedrine and dexbrompheniramine (Mortimer 1977). Simple preparations (a single active ingredient per drug) are preferable and even more so during breastfeeding. Abusive use as a psychostimulant or antiobesity product entails serious risks to the health of the mother and the infant and should be avoided (van der Hoof 2002, Gruber 1998). Topical use of ephedrine (see information on topical ephedrine) as a complement to preparations for local anesthetic, dermatologicals, stomatologicals or ophthalmologicals is compatible with breastfeeding (WHO 2002). See below the information of these related products:

Guaifenesin while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 93-14-1

It is used as an expectorant, alone or in association with other products. Proofs on its effectiveness are sparse. In some instances, preparations of Guaifenesin may contain alcohol as excipient with a concentration as high as 5%. At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found. Until more information on this medication is available, other option known to be safer would be recommended, mostly in the post-natal period or in cases of prematurity. If used while breastfeeding, a moderate use with the lowest dose as possible and avoiding those preparations with alcoholic excipient, should be preferred. Because effectiveness is poor and likelihood of side effects does exist, especially in multi-association, the US Agency for Drug Administration (FDA) is currently doing efforts for discontinuation of this and others at-the-counter products, that are formulated for cough relief (Guaifenesin, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine, Brompheniramine, etc.)

Guaifenesin while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 93-14-1

Neither the excretion of guaifenesin in milk nor its effect on breastfed infants have been studied. It is unlikely that with usual maternal doses amounts in breastmilk would harm the nursing infant, especially in infants over 2 months of age. It is best to avoid the use of products with a high alcohol content while nursing.

What if I already have used Primatene | Ephedrine Hcl, Guaifenesin Tablet?

My health care provider has asked me to use Primatene | Ephedrine Hcl, Guaifenesin Tablet, what to do?

If I am using Primatene | Ephedrine Hcl, Guaifenesin Tablet, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Primatene | Ephedrine Hcl, Guaifenesin Tablet in breastfeeding?