Severe ear pain

[Melinda]

A client with healthy term 4 week old with protracted severe ear and sinus pain, best medicine choice please, mum not confident about supply

[cpride]

Dear Melinda,

Use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain is compatible with breastfeeding. Acetaminophen doses should not exceed 3000 mg per 24 hours to avoid liver toxicity. Ibuprofen has an anti-inflammatory effect thus may be more helpful in her case. If she needs a nasal decongestant, oxymetazoline nasal spray may be used for up to 3 days. The breastfeeding infant should be monitored for agitation, excitation, and nervousness. If the infant has any cardiac symtpoms or hypertension, this medication should not be used. If she has an ear and/or sinus infection, she should see her physician. Once a plan of care has been established, you may either post the medication name and dose on the forum or call the InfantRisk Center at 806-352-2519. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 to 5, CDT. In general, most antibiotics are compatible with breastfeeding.

Sincerely,
Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
TTUHSC InfantRisk Center