While breastfeeding, which medicine can I take for cold?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 31 years old. My height is five feet nine inches, and weight is 152 pounds. Currently, I am not taking any medication. I am breastfeeding my nine months old on demand during the night and three to four times during the day. My classic symptoms of cold started at the weekend. I had a mild sore throat, blocked and runny nose, headache, cough and tiredness. This morning, I woke up with chest pain on the left-hand side and it lasted for about 15 minutes. It was muscular type cramp-like pain. It has not reoccurred. Although nasal congestion has eased, still feeling weak and have a chesty cough. I am due on a four-hour flight tomorrow night with my nine months old son. Is it safe for me to make this journey while feeling like this? Is there anything I can take considering I am breastfeeding? The purpose of the trip is to visit my father-in-law, who has stage four lung cancer. He has been receiving radiotherapy, which ended last week and is now at home for a week before he starts chemotherapy. We are due to stay in the same house, but I am afraid of passing on any germs. Will I still be contagious? He is very much looking forward to see his grandson for the first time.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The only safe drug that you can take while breastfeeding is a tablet paracetamol 500 mg thrice daily for three days after food. You can do hot water vaporization for nasal congestion. You should avoid taking any other medications till you are breastfeeding. Yes, you can take flight. But, if you get chest pain again, then I advise you to get an ECG done. You seem to have a viral infection, which can be contagious. But, you can use a handkerchief every time. You should also have plenty of water in a day. All the above should be sufficient. Thank you and take care. Regards.