Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory drug that is most commonly used for treating headaches, cramps, or similar kinds of pain. So, is it safe to use naproxen while breastfeeding? We will help you find the answer to this question in this post. Breastfeeding is a sensitive time for both the mother and the baby as the food and health of the mother directly affect the baby’s well-being. Many mothers may need medications, such as naproxen, after delivery to manage any postpartum pain. But it is important to make sure that the medication does not impart any harmful effects to the baby while breastfeeding them. Therefore, consulting a doctor before starting a course of medications is necessary to avoid unwanted side effects and long-term complications in infants. Read on to know about the safety of naproxen for you and your baby.
What Is Naproxen?
Naproxen falls under the class of drugs known as NSAIDs. NSAIDs or Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs help treat many conditions related to inflammation, pain, and fever (1).
Naproxen is used for relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and tendinitis. It is also used to treat menstrual pains, muscle aches, headaches, toothache, cold, fever and symptoms of various other medical conditions (2).
Naproxen is available as extended-release tablets, liquid-filled capsules, suspension and gelatin-coated tablets. While regular naproxen tablets are available as over-the-counter (OTC) pills, some forms are available only through a prescription (3).
Some common brand names of naproxen are Naprelan®, Aleve®, Naprosyn®, Flanax®, Anaprox®, Naprelan 500 and EC Naprosyn.
Naproxen And Breastfeeding – Is It Safe?
So, now that you know what Naproxen is, let’s look at a few facts about naproxen use while breastfeeding.
Naproxen use for a short duration of time is considered safe during breastfeeding. However, there is always a chance of minimal risk for even drugs that are safe to take while breastfeeding.
Naproxen use while breastfeeding is considered safe due to the drug’s lower rate of transfer into the breast milk (4).
Research regarding the safety of naproxen use while breastfeeding is inadequate.
Lactating women who are breastfeeding their baby and need to take an occasional pill for a headache, then naproxen (Aleve) is considered safe to use.
Long-term use of naproxen during breastfeeding may pose harm to the infant as the compounds from the pills may transfer and collect in the child’s body.
Side Effects Of Naproxen During Breastfeeding
Naproxen in breastfeeding can cause the following side effects, which can range from mild to severe. Here, we list some of the common ones:
Dizziness Drowsiness Hives Heartburn Water Retention Excessive thirst Diarrhea Constipation Hearing problems Headache Excessive fatigue Loss of appetite Indigestion Confusion Vision problems
Side Effects Of NSAIDs
There are several side effects with the use of NSAIDs. The below risks are greater for people who consume more than three alcoholic drinks on a daily basis or are generally in poor health.
Use of NSAIDs such as naproxen is associated with increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.
Naproxen is also known to increase the risks of intestinal/stomach bleeding and ulcers.
NSAID use can be harmful for those with a history of diabetes and hypertension (5).
Medicine Use While Breastfeeding
If you are a new mother, your concern about your medication use affecting the quality of your breastmilk is genuine.
Tips To Reduce The Effect Of Drugs In Breastmilk
If you can’t avoid taking a certain medication due to a serious health condition, some precautions may be necessary while you are nursing your child.
Here are some tips to minimize risk to your nursing child due to compounds present in your pills.
Take your dose immediately after you breastfeed your child to minimize the risk of drug exposure to your child.
Before taking your dose, you can express your breastmilk for your child’s next feeding to further reduce his exposure to medicines. If you notice any adverse symptoms in your child after breastfeeding, immediately inform your doctor about it.
If you are planning your pregnancy and you suffer from any chronic condition such as arthritis or are undergoing a lengthy treatment for the same, it is better to discuss it with your doctor before you conceive.
Some Safety Precautions With Naproxen Usage
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you must refrain from taking even OTC naproxen pills. It is better to take any medicine, even if it is OTC pills for simple aches and fever, only after the approval of your doctor.
