Taking medication

Medicines you can take while breastfeeding

While you're breastfeeding, you can take the following medicines:

• most antibiotics
• the painkiller paracetamol – you should check with a GP or midwife before taking paracetamol if it's combined with other medicines
• asthma inhalers
• vitamins at the recommended dose
• some methods of contraception and some cold remedies but not all – check with your GP, health visitor or pharmacist
• dental treatments, local anaesthetics and routine vaccinations – including MMR, tetanus, flu, whooping cough and COVID-19

Check with a GP or midwife before taking any other types of painkillers, such as ibuprofen.

You can take some medicines used to treat postnatal depression, but always check with a GP, your midwife, health visitor or a pharmacist who can advise you.

Ask for advice

If you're ever unsure, always check with your GP, midwife, health visitor or pharmacist. They can help you make an informed decision about medication.

For more information about breastfeeding and medicines:

• talk to your midwife, health visitor, pharmacist or GP
• have a look at breastfeeding and medicines on the NHS website
• visit The Breastfeeding Network for information on drugs and breastfeeding