Exact Answer: Two To Three Hours
Pseudoephedrine falls under the category of sympathomimetic drugs and is a member of the amphetamine and phenethylamine chemical class. When taken in higher doses, the medicine is very useful in working as a sinus/nasal decongestant, stimulant, or wakefulness-promoting agent. The drug was first synthesized in the year 1889.
Pseudoephedrine is traded by various names such as Sudafed, Sinutab, Afrinol, and a few others. The molecular formula of the medicine contains ten carbons, one nitrogen, and solitary oxygen. Hydrogen is responsible for filling the rest of the valences. The molar mass of the medication is 165.23 grams per mol.
How Long After Taking Pseudoephedrine Can I Breastfeed?
German chemists Oelschlagel and Ladenburg were the first ones to prepare the drug. The two primary ingredients involved in the synthesization of the drug are Pseudoephedrine sulfate and Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. They are either used as a single component, or a mixture of both the salts can also be used in different processes. It also has a few other active ingredients such as guaifenesin, paracetamol, antihistamines, dextromethorphan, or NSAID (like ibuprofen or aspirin). It is also used as a first-line prophylactic in cases of recurrent priapism.
The medicine is famous as a stimulant but is also very helpful for treating shrinking and swollen membranes of the nasal mucous. Hence, it is also popular as a decongestant. It is also beneficial in reducing tissue hyperemia, nasal congestion, and edema associated with allergies or colds. The medicine’s various other benefits include an increment in drainage of sinus secretions, opening of Eustachian tubes obstructed, and a few others.
| Condition Of Mother | Time After Pseudoephedrine To Breastfeed |
| Healthy | Two Hours |
| Unhealthy | At least three hours |
Medical experts have found that taking pseudoephedrine slows up milk production and dries up the milk present in the mother’s breasts. If a mother is healthy, then she should avoid breastfeeding for around two hours after taking medicine. However, if the mother is suffering from some disease or is unhealthy, she should wait three hours before breastfeeding the baby. The mother should always consult a doctor before taking any medicine.
Why Does It Take Long After Taking Pseudoephedrine to Breastfeed?
Pseudoephedrine can be taken orally, but oral intake might cause adverse effects, such as urinary retention. It is also very effective as an antitussive drug. The medicine is also prescribed to patients having vasomotor rhinitis. It is also helpful in working as an adjunct to various agents in treating croup, allergic rhinitis, otitis media, sinusitis, and tracheobronchitis. One of the parasympathetic responses is erection, and medicine is also helpful in treating this problem. It is also recommended for treating urinary incontinence.
It has been found that the medicine decreases the milk production in a woman’s breast, and it is not a very good option to breastfeed just after taking medication. The mother might also feel a bit of dizziness after taking medicine, and breastfeeding immediately after it can also lead to weakness. The milk produced is also not of excellent quality and might irritate the baby. The mother must ensure that the baby is adequately fed, as breastfeeding just after the medicine intake might prove harmful.
However, doctors contradict using this medicine in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, severe or uncontrolled hypertension, prostatic hypertrophy, closed-angle glaucoma, severe artery disease, hyperthyroidism, or pregnant women. It is also not advised to give the medicine to children as the medication is of very high power, resulting in severe complications. Intake of the drug in higher doses than that prescribed by the doctor can lead to stroke.
Conclusion
Finally, it can be concluded that pseudoephedrine is a drug that helps fight many diseases. Two German chemists synthesized the drug in the year 1889. The medication contains many components and is readily available in the market. It is always advised to use the drug only on the prescription of a medical expert.
On average, a mother should prevent breastfeeding the baby for at least two hours after taking the medication. The drug slows down the milk production rate in a mother’s breast. The mother must create a proper schedule with a doctor to balance the baby’s milk diet and the medicine intake.