From the Guidelines
Peglax (Polyethylene Glycol) is considered safe for daily use postpartum while breastfeeding, as it is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream and has a local effect in the intestines. The relative infant dose is a valuable guide to the safety of a drug taken by a breastfeeding woman, and a drug with a proportion < 10% is considered the preferred option 1. Polyethylene glycol works locally in the intestines by drawing water into the stool to soften it and relieve constipation, a common postpartum concern.
- The standard adult dose is typically 17 grams (about 1 heaping tablespoon) dissolved in water once daily.
- While using Peglax, it is essential to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as the medication can increase fluid requirements.
- Although it's considered safe, it's always best to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed to manage symptoms.
- If constipation persists despite using Peglax, or if unusual side effects like severe abdominal pain or bloating occur, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for further guidance. Key considerations for breastfeeding women taking Peglax include:
- Monitoring infant stool for any changes or signs of gastrointestinal upset
- Reporting any concerns or side effects to a healthcare provider
- Staying hydrated to minimize potential side effects of the medication.
From the Research
Risks of Peglax Daily Postpartum While Breastfeeding
There are no direct studies on the risks of taking Peglax (Polyethylene Glycol) daily postpartum while breastfeeding. However, general information on drug safety during breastfeeding can be applied:
- Most drugs are excreted into breast milk, but the majority do not pose a significant problem to the nursing infant 2, 3.
- The dose of the drug received via milk is generally small and much less than the known safe doses of the same drug given directly to neonates and infants 3.
- The transfer of medications into breast milk depends on a concentration gradient that allows passive diffusion of nonionized, non-protein-bound drugs 4.
- The amount of medication excreted in the milk depends on factors such as dosing, chemical characteristics of the medication, and maternal pharmacokinetics 5.
Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
When considering the use of medications during breastfeeding, it is essential to:
- Weigh the benefits of medication use for the mother against the risk of not breast-feeding the infant or the potential risk of exposing the infant to medications 4.
- Use available data on pharmacokinetics, milk-to-plasma ratio, and excretion to assess the safety of the medication 2.
- Consult with a healthcare professional or a pharmacist with expertise in breastfeeding and medication safety to make an informed decision 6, 5.