Praktické lekárnictvo 4/2016

Use of over-the-counter medications in lactation

Breastfeeding and maternal milk is the most natural and cost-effective way of child nutrition in the first months of life. Breastfeeding has a positive impact on the nursing infant, and brings benefits also for mothers. Medicines given to nursing mothers can pass into maternal milk and affect the nursing infant. Medications can affect lactation as well. Nursing mothers often do not take their medications, or they stop breastfeeding, even when the medication is not contraindicated in lactation. The role of the pharmacist in counselling of using over-the-counter medicines in lactation is very important. The article reviews the medication risk classifications in lactation and the most common health problems and the options of treatment with non-prescription medications during lactation.

Keywords: lactation, over-the-counter medications, self-medication, pharmacist