When you're breastfeeding, every pill, patch, or spray you take matters—not just for you, but for your baby. That’s where LactMed, a free, science-backed database from the National Library of Medicine that tells you which drugs are safe to use while breastfeeding. Also known as the LactMed database, it’s the go-to tool for doctors, pharmacists, and new moms who need clear, evidence-based answers about medication risks during lactation. It doesn’t guess. It doesn’t rely on opinions. It pulls from real studies on how drugs move into breast milk, how much the baby absorbs, and what effects—if any—that might have.
Most people assume if a drug is approved for adults, it’s fine for nursing moms. But that’s not true. Some medications build up in breast milk. Others affect milk supply. A few can even cause drowsiness or feeding problems in infants. LactMed breaks this down by drug name, dosage, timing, and infant risk level. It also links to alternatives—like safer antidepressants, pain relievers, or antibiotics—that work just as well without the risk. You’ll find entries for common drugs like ibuprofen, sertraline, and even antibiotics like amoxicillin, but also less familiar ones like antivirals or cancer meds. It’s not just a list. It’s a decision-making tool.
What makes LactMed different from random Google results or pharmacy pamphlets? It’s updated by experts who track new research every month. It doesn’t just say "safe" or "not safe." It tells you the estimated infant dose, whether the drug is metabolized in the baby’s body, and if there are any case reports of side effects. For example, it shows that while some beta-blockers can lower a baby’s heart rate, others like metoprolol are nearly undetectable in milk. Or that tramadol can cause breathing issues in newborns, but acetaminophen doesn’t. These aren’t guesses—they’re facts backed by clinical data.
And it’s not just about pills. LactMed covers herbal supplements, topical creams, inhalers, and even vaccines. If it’s something you can put in or on your body while nursing, it’s likely in there. You’ll see how caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol levels change over time after use. You’ll learn when to time your dose to minimize exposure. You’ll find out that some drugs, like certain thyroid meds or insulin, are practically invisible in milk. Others, like chemotherapy agents, require a pause in breastfeeding.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real-world examples of how LactMed guides decisions. You’ll see how pharmacists use it to avoid dangerous drug combos in nursing mothers. You’ll read about how doctors switch antidepressants based on LactMed’s risk ratings. You’ll learn why some women are told to pump and dump—and why that’s not always needed. These aren’t theoretical cases. They’re from clinics, hospitals, and home visits where someone had to choose between treating a condition and protecting a baby.
