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Corneal superficial injury - Management
Can paracetamol or ibuprofen be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
- Where possible, paracetamol is preferred to ibuprofen during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Experience suggests that paracetamol can be used at any time during pregnancy or breastfeeding [NTIS, 2004; Schaefer et al, 2007].
- If anti-inflammatory treatment is needed, short-term use of ibuprofen can be considered during the first and second trimester. However, it should be avoided in the third trimester (30 weeks onwards) because of the risk of causing premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, or decreasing the amniotic fluid volume [NTIS, 2004; Schaefer et al, 2007]. Levels of ibuprofen excreted in breast milk are negligible [Trent Drug Information Services, 2005].
- Further information can be obtained on:
- Pregnancy: contact the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS), formerly the National Teratology Information Service (NTIS), on 0844 892 0909.
- Breastfeeding: see the UK Drugs in Lactation Service website, or telephone 0121 311 1974.
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