The FDA has advised nursing mothers not to take codeine (as found in Tylenol 3, a drug typically prescribed after childbirth to about 150 000 women per year in Canada). If mothers are taking the drug, even in small doses, they are advised to watch for signs such as increased sleepiness.
Codeine, which was previously believed to be the safest choice for nursing mothers and their babies, could actually cause a morphine overdose in both mothers, and breastfed infants.
A small percentage of people have a genetic trait making them convert codeine to morphine much quicker than normal, resulting in overdose. This can result in high and unsafe levels in the blood, and breast milk.
The warning was issued after the revision of existing information, including a report made following the death of a 13 day old infant in 2006. When the breastfeeding mother's milk was tested, the morphine levels found were abnormally high. The mother had been taking small doses of codeine prescribed for pain after an episiotomy.
Though there is not yet a recommendation for routine testing, other precautionary measures are going to be put in place, including awareness.
Information about codeine ultra-rapid metabolism will now be included in drug package insert information in order to help people, including doctors become more aware of the dangers.
Signs to look out for in your baby include increased sleepiness, difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness. In addition breastfed babies generally nurse every two to three hours and do not sleep for more than four hours at a time.
Signs to watch for in yourself or other mothers you know include extreme sleepiness, confusion, shallow breathing, or severe constipation.
5 comments:
ouuu... this is a bit scary ..i took tylenol 3 after summer was born for three days ..never noticed any of these symptoms ..but what i understand from the article it only happens to certain ppl ...what i'm wondering is if you already have done it would that mean you would be safe to take it again ..
Likely, because if you have this genetic trait, you would have gotten symptoms of overdosing, and you didn't.
It's really the same for any kind of pain medication or drug with the side effect of drowsiness...you watch for the same symptoms in your baby if you're breastfeeding and if they get super drowsy from it, then you shouldn't be taking it.
This is sooo scary! I had a csection and was on tylenol 3's for three days. And then I had a complication and was on tylenol 3's for a bit longer. The entire time I was attempting to breastfeed my little girl. Everyone told me at the hospital that it was perfectly safe!
Used for constipation effect. Causing problems though - have been using for almost 10 years, and complicates bowel movements, so I have multiple small ones.
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