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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (standard or coxibs) - prescribing issues - Management
Can NSAIDs be used during breastfeeding?
- Paracetamol is the drug of choice during breastfeeding.
- If a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is clinically indicated:
- Ibuprofen is the preferred NSAID.
- Use the lowest effective dose, for the shortest time possible.
For more information, see the UK Drugs in Lactation Service website, or telephone 0121 311 1974.
Basis for recommendation
- Paracetamol is suitable for use by breastfeeding mothers. Although it appears in breast milk, the amount is too small to be harmful, and is much less than the doses given to infants [LactMed, 2007; UKMi, 2009b].
- Ibuprofen is recommended as a first-line option because its half-life is short, and levels in breast milk are negligible [Schaefer et al, 2007; UKMi, 2009a].
- NSAIDs with long serum half-lives (e.g. naproxen) should be avoided because the risk of adverse effects is likely to be higher than for NSAIDs with short serum half-lives [UKMiCentral, 2004; Schaefer et al, 2007].
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