Can you take Golytely (polyethylene glycol) while breast-feeding?

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Last updated: May 19, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

I strongly advise against taking Golly while breastfeeding, as it is not a recognized medication and its effects on the baby are unknown. "Golly" is an exclamation or expression of surprise, not a pharmaceutical product. If you're referring to a specific medication and there was a typo or confusion about the name, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider about any medication you're considering while breastfeeding. Many medications can pass into breast milk in varying amounts, potentially affecting your baby, as discussed in 1.

Key Considerations

  • The amount of medication that enters breast milk varies based on the maternal serum concentration and the pharmacologic properties of the medication, as noted in 1.
  • When prescribing medications for a breastfeeding patient, those with the lowest risk to the infant should be selected, and dosing should be before the infant's longest sleep interval, as recommended in 1.
  • Prescribers should use current, accurate resources, such as LactMed, to assess the safety of medications during breastfeeding, as suggested in 1.

Medication Safety During Breastfeeding

It's crucial to prioritize the health and safety of both the mother and the baby when considering medication use during breastfeeding. According to 2, healthcare providers often express uncertainty about advocating breastfeeding when mothers are taking medications, highlighting the need for reliable and updated information on medication safety during lactation.

Recommendations

  • Always discuss any medication use with your healthcare provider while breastfeeding to ensure both your health needs and your baby's safety are addressed appropriately.
  • Consult with your healthcare provider about any medication you're considering while breastfeeding, taking into account factors such as the drug's properties, your baby's age and health status, and the potential risks versus benefits, as discussed in 3, 4, 5.

References

Research

Medication Safety in Breastfeeding.

American family physician, 2022

Research

Drugs in breastfeeding.

Australian prescriber, 2015

Research

Medication and breastfeeding.

Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 2012

Research

[Medications in breastfeeding: what evidence is there?].

Ciencia & saude coletiva, 2019

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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