Breastfeeding and medicines: essential precautions

What are we talking about?

During breastfeeding, some medicines can pass into breast milk depending on the product, dose and other factors. Assessment is individual.

There is no universal “forbidden” or “allowed” rule for all medicines. This sheet does not replace advice adapted to your situation.

What you may observe

State that you are breastfeeding before any intake. Indicate the child’s age, feeding frequency and treatments already ongoing.

Watch for any unusual effects in the child (drowsiness, feeding difficulties) and report them promptly.

Good practices

Seek professional advice before introducing a medicine, including without a prescription.

Do not automatically stop breastfeeding when a treatment is needed: a compatible alternative or an adaptation may be possible depending on the product.

Do not automatically stop a prescribed treatment without advice: the risk from the disease may be greater.

What to avoid

Avoid decisions based only on forums or another person’s experience.

Avoid abruptly interrupting breastfeeding or treatment without professional clarification.

Medicines: what you need to know

Each medicine is assessed individually. No list of molecules is provided here.

Dispensing arrangements and references applicable in Mali should be confirmed locally when relevant.

When to ask the pharmacist?

The pharmacist can help check a product during breastfeeding, propose an alternative when one exists within their field, and refer to the doctor if necessary.

When to seek medical care?

Ask for advice if in doubt about a medicine, if there is an unusual effect in the child, or if a chronic treatment must continue during breastfeeding.