Drugs containing Phenylephrine: Bromfed, Sudafed PE Congestion, Promethazine VC with Codeine, Dexcon-DM, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold, PCM, Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Cold, Neo-Synephrine, Deconex, Preparation H Suppositories, Show all 1338 »
Phenylephrine Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
The oral bioavailability of phenylephrine is very low, so the drug is unlikely to reach the infant in large amounts.[1] However, intravenous or oral administration of phenylephrine might decrease milk production. Because no information is available on the use of oral phenylephrine during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Phenylephrine nasal spray or ophthalmic drops are less likely to decrease lactation. To substantially diminish the effect of the drug after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information in humans was not found as of the revision date. However, animal data indicate that phenylephrine can decrease milk production and pseudoephedrine, a pharmacologically similar vasoconstrictor, decreases milk production in nursing mothers after oral use.[2-4]
