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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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When Can Breastfeeding Be Continued After Withdrawing From Tylenol?

My daughter had a dental procedure today which ended in disaster. She now has taken Tylenol #3. She has been breastfeeding a 3 month old. We assume she should not breastfeed while taking this, right?And when can she start back after stopping the meds.
Tue, 16 Jan 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Tylenol#3 contains codeine which is an opioid analgesic(commonly called a narcotic). It is excreted in breast millk, but the amount of excretion depends on the genetic makeup of the mother as breakdown of the drug in the body is dependent on certain enzymes whose expression is controlled by the genes. All said, I am of the opinion that it is not advisable to breastfeed, as you have suspected, to be on the safe side. Regarding so as to when to restart breastfeeding, it depends on dosing schedule of Tyenol. I am assuming that a dose tapering has been advised (i.e gradual reduction of dose over a couple of days) which is mandatory in case of opioid medications. Assuming this, breastfeeding may be restarted 2 days after cessation of tylenol therapy.
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When Can Breastfeeding Be Continued After Withdrawing From Tylenol?

Tylenol#3 contains codeine which is an opioid analgesic(commonly called a narcotic). It is excreted in breast millk, but the amount of excretion depends on the genetic makeup of the mother as breakdown of the drug in the body is dependent on certain enzymes whose expression is controlled by the genes. All said, I am of the opinion that it is not advisable to breastfeed, as you have suspected, to be on the safe side. Regarding so as to when to restart breastfeeding, it depends on dosing schedule of Tyenol. I am assuming that a dose tapering has been advised (i.e gradual reduction of dose over a couple of days) which is mandatory in case of opioid medications. Assuming this, breastfeeding may be restarted 2 days after cessation of tylenol therapy.