Can I take licorice tablets during breastfeeding?

The pregnancy and breastfeeding periods for women are relatively special. Special attention should be paid during these stages. The most important thing is not to take medicine indiscriminately. Everyone should be familiar with licorice tablets, which are commonly used medicines for the treatment of pharyngitis. Some women develop pharyngitis during breastfeeding. I wonder if they can take licorice tablets?

Can I take licorice tablets during breastfeeding?

When a breastfeeding mother is breastfeeding, some drugs enter the baby's body through breast milk, allowing the baby to absorb part of the drugs. Some side effects of drugs may appear on the baby's body. Licorice tablets are a compound preparation, which contains ingredients such as opium. Licorice itself has hormone-like effects and may have certain side effects on the baby. Therefore, it is recommended not to take licorice tablets during breastfeeding, and it is recommended that mothers who have throat pain or pharyngitis can gargle with light salt water every day and eat a light diet. Under the premise of ensuring rich nutrition, do not eat spicy and irritating food. If necessary, go to the hospital for a routine blood test, and you can combine it with nebulizer inhalation treatment. This way you can take less medication and avoid affecting your baby, and you can always return for follow-up visits.

How long after taking the medicine can I breastfeed?

If you use medication during breastfeeding, you need to look at the specific type of medication before deciding when to breastfeed next time. If it is an ordinary medicine, it will not be secreted through breast milk and will not affect the breastfeeding time. You can continue breastfeeding according to the previous breastfeeding intervals. If the drug can be metabolized through breast milk, you should wait at least 72 hours before breastfeeding to reduce the impact on the baby.

During drug treatment, pay attention to drinking plenty of water to increase the excretion of the drug. If you are using vitamin or mineral drugs, even if they are excreted through breast milk, they will not cause adverse effects on the baby, so you can still breastfeed normally. When using medication during breastfeeding, the pros and cons need to be weighed, and treatment must be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.