Acetaminophen while breastfeeding.

If you are breastfeeding and looking for information about acetaminophen, start with the ingredient and check every active ingredient on your own package.

88Ingredient score
Compatible

It is a good choice for pain and fever during breastfeeding; adverse effects appear rare.

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Acetaminophen

Breastfeeding information about the ingredient

What the evidence says.

  • Milk amounts are much lower than amounts usually used to treat infants.
  • Adverse effects in breastfed infants appear rare.

Is Tylenol the same as acetaminophen?

Tylenol is a brand name used for acetaminophen. Some products contain additional active ingredients, so check the exact package rather than relying on the brand name alone. View source.

Check your own package.

This answer is about the ingredient, not automatically every product that contains it. Check the name, formulation and all active ingredients: product formulas can differ by country and by version.

Things to keep in mind.

  • A rash probably related to acetaminophen was reported in a two-month-old infant.

Your circumstances matter.

Your baby’s age and health, the form of the medicine, and other ingredients can affect what you need to discuss. If you have questions, share the exact product with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist.

What Lacty considers.

The entry brings together several pieces of information about the ingredient. Here is how they appear in the available record:

Transfer into milk
Low
Time in the body
Short
Used in infants
Yes
Effect on milk supply
Unknown
Breastfeeding studies
Many

The score is Lacty’s own index, not a safety percentage or a LactMed rating. Information about use in infants does not mean a medicine is appropriate for your baby.

Common questions about acetaminophen and breastfeeding.

Can I take acetaminophen while breastfeeding?

Lacty classifies this ingredient as “Compatible”. It is a good choice for pain and fever during breastfeeding; adverse effects appear rare. This information concerns the ingredient. To assess your particular medicine, check the formulation and all active ingredients with a healthcare professional.

Does acetaminophen pass into breast milk?

Lacty’s entry describes transfer into milk as: low. This describes the information available about the ingredient; on its own, it does not determine what will happen in an individual situation.

What if my baby is newborn or premature?

Your baby’s age, prematurity and health can matter when considering a medicine. Share those details and the exact package with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist.

Does it matter if my medicine contains other ingredients?

Yes. This entry is about one active ingredient. Some products combine several substances, so check every active ingredient on your label. A result for one ingredient is not an assessment of the complete product.

When should I take it, or how long should I wait?

Lacty’s score does not establish a dose or a waiting interval for you. The reason for treatment, the formulation and your circumstances matter; speak to the professional who knows your treatment before changing how you take it or breastfeed.

Read the sources for this entry →

This information does not replace a healthcare professional. Do not start, change or stop a treatment based on this page alone.

Understand what is in your box.

Lacty is in preparation. You will be able to explore products and ingredients, see their sources, and understand what to check while breastfeeding.

Sources for this entry.

This information comes from Lacty’s public entry and the linked sources. Read the original source for its full context and updates.

Know before you take it.

Lacty is coming soon to iPhone and Android.

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In preparation · iPhone and Android