Hydrcodone and breast feeding

[Lmayola]

I've been taking Norco for back pain and I breast feed my 8 week old daughter she has no side effects, no sedation or constipation. If I continue to take it as prescribed can she become addicted or have withdrawals when I quit taking it? Does she get enough thru my milk for that to happen?

[Sandra]

Lmayola,

It is possible she could become addicted depending on your dose and how often you take it. Norco is rated an L-3-limited data-probably compatible. The amount transferred into breast milk is 2.2-3.7% of your dose. We recommend you wait at least 2 hours to breastfeed after a dose and do not exceed 4omg in 24 hours. When you stop the medication wean yourself slowly and that way you nor your infant should have withdrawal.

I hope this helps.

Sandra Lovato R.N.
InfantRisk Center
806-352-2519

[Tricia710]

I just have a dosage question about Norco. When I look up the manufacturers information about the half-life of the 10 mg Norco, it says that the peak time is 2 hrs and a half-life is 4 hours. But the above post states that the half-life is 2 hours. Is this for the 5 mg dose? I can't find any info on that. If the patient breastfeeds at 2 hours, isn't that the peak time?

[Sandra]

Tricia710,

Sorry if this was unclear, but the above post is giving the peak time of about 2 hours (actual is 1.3 hours) so we recommend avoiding breastfeeding during that time, it is not necessary to wait a half-life to breastfeed with this medication, the half-life is about 4 hours no matter if the dose is 5 or 10mg.

Sandra Lovato R.N.
InfantRisk Center
806-352-2519

[Collinsarah]

Hello, I had to have my gallbladder removed and am on 5mg norco for pain. Is this safe to breastfeed a 3 months old with? He weights about 14lbs

[Sandra]

Collinsarah,

Norco is rated an L3-limited data-probably compatible. The amount that transfers into breast milk is 2.2-3.7% of your dose. We recommend not to exceed 30-40mg in 24 hours, and to wait 2-3 hours to nurse after a dose. Short term use is usually not a problem as long as you follow the guidelines. Monitor for Sedation, slowed breathing rate, pallor, constipation and apnea.

Sandra Lovato R.N.
InfantRisk Center
806-352-2519