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Irrespective of you being pregnant or have started breastfeeding, the last thing a mother would want to go down with is a cold or flu as most think it could affect your milk supply.
So, what does a mother do if she does fall sick? What are the medications that are considered to be safe during breastfeeding? Let’s find that out in the article that follows:
One such common over-the-counter (OTC) medication for colds is Mucinex. Its main forms include Mucinex, Mucinex D, Mucinex DM, and other extra-strength versions of each that can be used to treat symptoms of flu and colds including cough and congestion in the chest and nasal passages.
Can I take Mucinex while breastfeeding? Is it safe? Read through the article that follows:
Can you take Mucinex while breastfeeding? Is it safe?
Listed below are the three active ingredients that are found in Mucinex, Mucinex D, and Mucinex DM. By looking at the ingredients individually, it will help us understand if the Mucinex while breastfeeding is safe:
1) Ingredient 1 - Guaifenesin
Although there are no such reliable studies done to confirm the safety of guaifenesin, there are a few sources that claim the ingredient to be completely safe, while on the other hand, the other sources differ to agree with the source and suggest avoiding the drug to prevent any unforeseen dangerous until there is any trustworthy health information made studies proving its safety.
2) Ingredient 2 - Dextromethorphan
As this ingredient is considered, there still hasn’t been a strong opinion or study made on it either. Nevertheless, there are thoughts that only just a minimum amount of the ingredients will appear in the breast milk if consider taking dextromethorphan while nursing. This means, as compared to the others, it is rather safe to use the ingredients during breastfeeding, especially if your baby is older than two months of age.
3) Ingredient 3 - Pseudoephedrine
As per the healthcare provider, Pseudoephedrine is the safest ingredient to consume while breastfeeding. Nonetheless, as per a few small studies, Pseudoephedrine could reduce the amount of milk that the body produces and could, in a few instances, cause more irritation to breastfed infants than normal.
Alternatively, Can You Take Mucinex During Pregnancy?
As we studied the ingredients in the section above, we will continue to understand the drug through its ingredients – guaifenesin, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine to know if it’s safe to use the medicine during pregnancy.
1) Ingredient 1 - Guaifenesin
This ingredient is an expectorant that helps relieve the symptoms of chest congestion by loosening and thinning the mucus present in the lungs. Further, this thin mucus is coughed out and helps clear the airways, making breathing much easier.
As per the American Academy of Family Physicians, it’s still undiscovered if the ingredient is safe for pregnant women. This is why most doctors recommend not taking the medication during the first trimester of pregnancy.
2) Ingredient 2 - Dextromethorphan
A cough suppressant, Dextromethorphan works by affecting the signals in the brain, triggering the cough reflex. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the ingredient seems to be safe to use during pregnancy, nevertheless, the medication should only be used if it’s needed.
3) Ingredient 3 - Pseudoephedrine
It is a decongestant that shrinks the blood vessels present in the nasal passages and helps with reducing the stuffiness in the nose. Nevertheless, the American Academy of Family Physicians, states that pseudoephedrine causes certain birth defects in the initial postpartum period, this is why it must be avoided during that time.
What Are The Strengths Of The Ingredients In The Different Mucinex Products?
To help you understand the ingredients better, here is a table that includes them across different Mucinex products:
| INGREDIENT | GUAIFENESIN | DEXTROMETHORPHAN | PSEUDOEPHEDRINE |
| Mucinex | 600 mg | – | – |
| Max Strength Of Mucinex | 1200 mg | – | – |
| Mucinex DM | 600 mg | 30 mg | – |
| Max Strength Of Mucinex DM | 1200 mg | 60 mg | – |
| Mucinex D | 600 mg | – | 60 mg |
| Max Strength Of Mucinex D | 1200 mg | – | 120 mg |
Does Mucinex reduce Milk supply?
According to certain studies, pseudoephedrine, which is present in Mucinex D, can reduce milk supply. Certain over-the-counter cough drugs should be avoided since they can reduce breast milk supply. They can also dry out your breast milk, just like they can dry up your nasal congestion. Antihistamines and nasal decongestants are commonly found in breastmilk and have this effect.
Natural Alternatives To Mucinex
Since using Mucinex while nursing is a little dicey, there are a few natural ingredients that can help you get rid of the irritant cold, all side-effect-free. Nonetheless, make sure you contact your doctor for a thumbs-up before opting for either:
Here’s what you can do to avoid taking cold medications during your pregnancy or while breastfeeding. They are drug-free and help relieve your symptoms immediately, in a healthy and natural fashion:
1) Moisture:
This is a natural on-the-go remedy that helps aid the irritant congested chest. Go for a nice long hot shower or apply a warm compress.
2) Stay Hydrated
Inducing fluids into your body when you have a cold or down with the flu helps you pass through the fluids and clear your system.
3) Honey
As per a few studies, honey is known to be the best cold reliever and also improves your disturbed sleep. Try to mix in a teaspoon of honey with warm water before bedtime.
4) Peppermint
Peppermint contains menthol that helps thin the mucus and phlegm. So, try to add 2-3 leaves in your warm water and help get rid of the irritant cold during breastfeeding.
Safety Precautions While Taking Mucinex
A recommended dose of Mucinex by your physician is safe to consume while breastfeeding. Also, it is important to note that a few medications don’t pass through breast milk to the baby to cause significant harm.
According to experts, if a medication is within Hale’s L1 to L3 category (Hale lactaction risk categories: L1: safe drugs at the highest level, L2: safe, L3: moderately safe) and the baby is monitored throughout, these medications do not enter the baby’s bloodstream strongly enough to affect the baby.
However, more studies are required on both pregnant and lactating mothers since it is a vulnerable group to conducts tests on about certain medications. Some experts also believe that more comprehensive studies regarding the long-term effects of such medications in babies and breast milk are required.
It is already established that pseudoephedrine found in Mucinex D can reduce the milk supply. Therefore, a few doctors recommend avoiding over-the-counter such over-the-counter cough medications. The same it can dry up a mother’s nasal congestion, it can also dry up their breast milk. A breastfeeding mother should continue to nurse the baby or pump the milk throughout to protect the milk supply. Also, drinking enough fluids is important while recovering from a virus.
Final Thoughts on Can You Take Mucinex While Breastfeeding
It is likely safe to say that using Mucinex products while nursing is safe, depending on the medication you choose. Nevertheless, we are aware that not all pregnancy is the same, therefore, using the medication widely without consulting your doctor is a big NO!
So, when choosing Mucinex, make sure to get on a call with your doctor and confirm if it’s ok for you and your baby, given you are breastfeeding.
Can you take mucinex while breastfeeding - FAQs:
1. What kind of Mucinex can I take while nursing?
2) Can I take Mucinex while breastfeeding?
3) What can I take to prevent congestion while breastfeeding?
4) What cold meds are safe while breastfeeding?
As always, when taking cold medication when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is always the best and safest choice to consult either your doctor or your baby’s pediatrician for guidance.
5. Does Mucinex while nursing result in a decrease in milk supply?
Reviewed By-
Brandi Flores - Lactation Consultant
Brandi Nicole is a pediatric nurse, a postpartum doula, and an international board-certified lactation consultant. She is a proud member of the International Lactation Consultant Association, the United States Lactation Consultant Association, and the Bay Area Lactation Associates.
On behalf of the editorial team at Parenthoodbliss, we follow strict reporting guidelines and only use credible sources, along with peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and highly respected health organizations. To learn about how we maintain content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
