Codeine

[R_a622]

Dr. Hale,

My baby is 5 days old. Through my entire pregnancy up until 35 weeks (okayed by my dr), I took Tylenol 3. Not a lot of it but eventually weaned off and stopped having zero withdrawal when I finally quit. My question is, I’m breastfeeding now, can I continue this medication? If my infant was exposed in utero, he was probably getting more than he would be through breast milk correct?

[admin]

R: Yes, you can continue, but be careful. Observe for sedation and apnea in the infant, and constipation.

I'm not sure how advisable it is to start using codeine again after you've withdrawn, but that up to you and your physician.

Tom Hale Ph.D.