Training resources for breastfeeding
Why breastfeeding is important and how pharmacy can help
4 December 2020Pharmacy professionals can help ensure breastfeeding can continue whilst medicines are used. We guide on how to undertake this role.
Questions to ask when giving advice on medicines and breastfeeding
4 December 2020Information should be gathered on both the mother and the infant. Questions are provided to help determine clinical details
Information resources for advice on medicines and breastfeeding
4 December 2020SPS and other resources can help pharmacy professionals give advice on use of medicines during breastfeeding
Advising on medicines during breastfeeding
4 December 2020Most medicines can be used throughout breastfeeding, in some cases further risk-reducing methods may be required
Defining the risks of medicines in breastfeeding
21 October 2020This article describes the features that support the risk classifications we assign to the use of medicines in breastfeeding
Advice and recommendations
Our recommendations seek to help you make a decision in an area where evidence is often sparse. Where possible, we base our advice on published literature. Where this is lacking we consider pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles; side-effect profiles; clinical use; expert advice and unpublished data. We advise based on UK practice and interpretation, and may therefore sometimes differ from other sources of information.
Our recommendations apply to full-term and healthy infants. If the infant was born prematurely, is unwell, or the mother is taking multiple medicines, contact us for further advice.
In addition, we’re also currently modernising our material in this area to make it easier to use and understand. Feel free to contact us for further advice if you need help in the interim.
Using domperidone for low milk supply
21 June 2024Domperidone can be used to treat low milk supply. However, this is only after thorough assessment and once non-medical interventions have been tried.
Treating lice during breastfeeding
31 May 2024Wet combing, dimeticone, malathion or permethrin can be used during breastfeeding; choice will depend on the indication. Other treatments can be considered.
Using tetracycline antibiotics during breastfeeding
28 March 2024Tetracycline is the medicine of choice if a tetracycline is clinically necessary. Recommendations apply to full term and healthy infants.
Treating nausea during breastfeeding
26 March 2024Some anti-emetics can be used with caution during breastfeeding, depending on the clinical situation. Recommendations apply to full term, healthy infants.
Using macrolide antibiotics during breastfeeding
21 March 2024Azithromycin, clarithromycin or erythromycin can be used with precautionary infant monitoring. Recommendations apply to full term, healthy infants.
Treating impetigo topically during breastfeeding
21 March 2024Fusidic acid, hydrogen peroxide or mupirocin can be used topically during breastfeeding. Recommendations apply to full term and healthy infants.
Treating rectal and anal disorders during breastfeeding
19 March 2024Rectal and anal topical preparations for haemorrhoids and anal fissures are compatible with breastfeeding. Recommendations apply to full term, healthy infants.
Using gastrointestinal antispasmodics during breastfeeding
8 March 2024Hyoscine butylbromide, propantheline or peppermint oil are preferred choices during breastfeeding. Recommendations apply to full term and healthy infants.
Treating insomnia during breastfeeding
8 March 2024Zopiclone and zolpidem are preferred for the short-term management of insomnia during breastfeeding. Recommendations apply to full term and healthy infants.
Treating heartburn and dyspepsia during breastfeeding
5 March 2024Antacids, alginates, H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors can be used during breastfeeding. Recommendations are for full term and healthy infants.
Get in touch
Breastfeeding Medicines Advice service
The specialist UKDILAS service from SPS provides evidence-based information and advice to healthcare-professionals on the use of medicines during breastfeeding