Can I Take Mucinex While Breastfeeding: Is It Safe?

When breastfeeding, mothers are always putting their children first. Because breast milk is full of nutrients that are essential for the growth of children. However, drugs that mothers take can cause  some unwanted side effects to the child. For this reason, mothers are always concerned and they often ask questions such as “Can I take Mucinex while breastfeeding?”. 

So, in this article, we will provide you with all the information that you need to know about Mucinex: what is it? How does it work? and Is it safe to use Mucinex while breastfeeding? 

What Is Mucinex?

Mucinex is a medication to relieve coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses. Mucinex is also known as guaifenesin. This cough medicine helps thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making coughing easier. It is the only expectorant approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to relieve acute cough symptoms¹.

Mucinex is an over-the-counter product that comes in many forms and formulations, many of which. Guaifenesin is available in the form of gel capsules, tablets, and liquid solutions. It also comes in both day and night versions (the latter designed to help the user in getting to sleep). However, while the original Mucinex only contains guaifenesin, other forms have additional ingredients such as acetaminophen and dextromethorphan to limit cold and flu symptoms. Therefore, you should be careful and have a doctor’s advice when using other forms of Mucinex.

What does Mucinex do?

You can take Mucinex orally with a full glass of water. When you drink plenty of water while taking this medicine, the liquid will help loosen phlegm and clear your throat. Mucinex relieves colds by dissolving mucus and eradicating signs such as body aches, headache, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, etc.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), you should not crush or chew pills. When you do that, the drug is released all at once, which can lead to a high risk of side effects.

Can I Take Mucinex While Breastfeeding? 

Yes, you can take Mucinex while breastfeeding. According to resources developed by leaders in lactation pharmacy, including Dr. Hale’s popular Lactation Risk Criteria(LRC), guaifenesin is an L3 drug, meaning it “is compatible” with breastfeeding²

Is It Safe to Take Mucinex While Breastfeeding?

It is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers to take Mucinex, but it’s important to consult a doctor about the appropriate dosage and use medication only when necessary.

Mucinex Safety Level when Breastfeeding

The levels of safety in Mucinex are determined by the safety levels that are included in the active ingredients of the drug. Mucinex (guaifenesin), Mucinex D (guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine), and Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan) are the three most popular and widely available cough medicines.³

Guaifenesin

There is not much research on whether mothers who use drugs with guaifenesin while breastfeeding will affect their infants or not. According to the product’s instructions, guaifenesin is not expected to cause side effects in nursing infants. However, make sure that when you use active medication, you carefully consult your pharmacist or doctor, and use it as directed.

Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan has also not been studied much. However, a study of 20 breastfeeding women who took a 30 mg dose of dextromethorphan found that the drug passes into breast milk in small amounts⁴. In this study, one baby developed a rash that resolved without treatment. Because dextromethorphan tends to pass into breast milk in small amounts, side efects in breastfed infants are not expected. Besides, there are some cough medicines with dextromethorphan that will also contain alcohol. Generally, alcohol is not good for breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, you should be careful to use non-alcoholic cough medicines and contact the pharmacy if your child has any symptoms.

Pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine is generally not suitable for breastfeeding women. Although we don’t have much research and information about pseudoephedrine’s safety. Pseudoephedrine can also reduce the amount of milk you make, so it is better to avoid it as much as possible.⁵

Precautions When Taking Mucinex While Breastfeeding

If you are allergic to guaifenesin, tell your doctor if you have any other allergies before using it. Further, interactions between drugs can lead to side effects. When prescribed, hence, tell the doctor about all the medicines you are taking, from prescription drugs, vitamins, to nutritional supplements, etc.

In addition, guaifenesin is available in both prescription and over-the-counter medications. You should also check the labels of all your medications to make sure you are not taking more guaifenesin.

Most people handle guaifenesin well, but some report nausea and vomiting. Some popular rare side effects include dizziness, headache, or rash.⁶

Alternatives to Mucinex While Breastfeeding

Mothers may worry about Mucinex affecting the quality of their milk and their babies. Therefore, you may not want to take medicine or want to find ways to reduce the effects of medicine.

You should drink plenty of water when using this medicine. Water will help you increase your ability to loosen phlegm and replenish the amount of water necessary for milk production. Besides, you can drink tea. Tea with honey helps soothe a sore throat. Honey is safe for mothers to eat during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

You can gargle with salt water, salt water is a natural substance that has antiseptic properties and protects your throat.

Closing Thoughts

Using the right amount of Mucinex while breastfeeding is safe, there are no specific studies on the harm of Mucinex to young children. When used at very low doses, the active ingredients are not strong enough to pass into breast milk and affect the baby. However, to protect your breast milk supply, you should limit active ingredients in medications such as pseudoephedrine that can reduce your milk supply. You should also pay attention to your nutrition during this time, for example, add foods to increase breast milk and avoid foods that reduce breast milk. Mothers always prioritize the safety and nutritional value of their children first. However, you also have to realize that taking good care of your body is also loving your child. When you have a cold, you can also consider using cold medicine safely according to your doctor’s instructions to help reduce pain and the psychological and mental health effects of overexertion take care of the baby.