Can You Take Ibuprofen or Tylenol During Breastfeeding?
Yes, both ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are safe to use during breastfeeding and you can continue nursing without interruption or "pump and dump." 1, 2
Safety Profile
Both Medications Are Fully Compatible
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) and NSAIDs including ibuprofen are explicitly listed as compatible with breastfeeding by the Association of Anaesthetists, with no requirement to interrupt nursing. 1
- The amount of either drug that transfers into breast milk is significantly less than the known safe pediatric therapeutic doses given directly to infants. 2
- Neither medication requires special monitoring of your infant during use. 2
No "Pump and Dump" Needed
- Expressing and discarding breast milk after taking these medications is completely unnecessary. 1
- You can breastfeed immediately after taking either ibuprofen or acetaminophen without any waiting period. 1, 2
Choosing Between Them
Both Are First-Line Options
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends both paracetamol and NSAIDs as preferred non-opioid analgesics for breastfeeding women. 1, 2
- For short-term use, either medication is appropriate and the choice can be based on your specific pain type (ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties, acetaminophen does not). 3, 4
Ibuprofen Specifics
- Ibuprofen has been used extensively for postpartum pain with low levels of excretion in human milk. 2
- For long-term treatment, short-acting NSAIDs without active metabolites like ibuprofen are preferred. 3
Acetaminophen Specifics
- Acetaminophen is considered the safest analgesic during breastfeeding with the most extensive safety data. 3, 5
- It transfers into breast milk in varying concentrations, but infant exposure remains well below therapeutic levels. 2
Dosing Recommendations
Use the Lowest Effective Dose
- Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed. 1, 3
- Multimodal analgesia combining both non-opioid drugs should be encouraged to minimize the need for stronger medications. 1
Timing Strategy (Optional)
- While not necessary, you can further minimize infant exposure by taking the medication immediately after breastfeeding or before your infant's longest sleep interval. 3, 5
Important Caveats
Special Populations Requiring Extra Caution
- If your infant is less than 6 weeks of age (corrected for gestation), exercise extra caution with any medication due to immature hepatic and renal function, though both ibuprofen and acetaminophen remain safe options. 1
- Preterm infants have the highest sensitivity to medications, followed by neonates, then young infants. 1