NHS website - Can I take paracetamol while I'm breastfeeding?
Can I take paracetamol while I'm breastfeeding?
Yes, you can take paracetamol. Only a small amount gets into your breastmilk and it's unlikely to harm your baby.
Take it for the shortest possible time and stick to the recommended dose. You'll find this on the outside of the packet or in the leaflet inside.
Get advice from a health professional, such as your GP, before taking paracetamol if your baby:
- was born prematurely
- had a low birth weight
- has a medical condition
Be cautious about paracetamol combined with other medicines
Paracetamol is also often combined with other medicines, including codeine. Paracetamol combined with codeine may be called co-codamol or Solpadeine.
Codeine and other medicines may not be suitable to take while you're breastfeeding.
Always check with a health professional, such as your pharmacist or GP, before taking paracetamol combined with another medicine.
If you need more advice:
- talk to your midwife, health visitor, pharmacist or GP
- call 111
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