Throat Sprays

[Linray54]

Woman with 8month old using Difflam Throat Spray (benzydamine) asked if safe. I assumed because baby is 8 months old, and spray is topical that this would be reasonably safe to use. It is for sore throats...??

[cpride]

Dear Linray54,

Difflam Throat Spray contains 3 mg of benzydamine, 80 mg ethanol, methyl hydroxybenozate and saccharin. Benzydamine is a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Because the spray is topical, it is unlikely to enter breastmilk in large amounts. Oral doses of benzydamine reach a peak level rapidly and have a half-life of 13 hours, but the topical application results in slower absorption and much lower amounts that would be absorbed. Topical application also results in the benzydamine staying in the system longer. Mom should breastfeed first then use the spray. She should spit out any of the medication that pools in her throat instead of swallowing to prevent absorption. This medication should only be used for short periods of time. If your client is not improving, she should seek medical care as sore throats can be caused by bacteria that would need to be treated with an antibiotic. Hope this information helps.

Sincerely,
Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
TTUHSC InfantRisk Center

[Linray54]

Thanks for your help. Is there an issue with NSAIDS as we use them routinely in the post natal ward - namely Nurafen?

[cpride]

Dear Linray54

Nurafen is ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is compatible with breastfeeding. Only 0.1 to 0.7 percent of mom's dose would be present in breastmilk. The time the drug would be most concentrated in breastmilk is one to two hours after taking the dose. The half-life is 1.8 to 2.5 hours. Since small amounts are present in breastmilk, no adverse effects are expected. We prefer the shorter half-life of ibuprofen compared to naproxen products that have longer half-lives. Hope this information helps.

Sincerely,
Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
TTUHSC InfantRisk Center