Is Antacids safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Antacids. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Although no published information on the aluminum, calcium or magnesium content of milk during maternal antacid therapy could be found, additional intake of these minerals by a nursing mother is unlikely to surpass that found in other infant foods. In addition, oral absorption of aluminum and magnesium is poor. Because of these factors, reviewers generally consider antacid use during breastfeeding to be acceptable.[1-3] No special precautions are required.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. The aluminum content of human milk is normally lower than cow's milk and much lower than infant formula.[4,5] Magnesium is a normal component of human milk.[6] When magnesium is administered intravenously in large doses, milk magnesium levels are increased only slightly.[7] Calcium is a normal component of human milk.[6] Alginic acid and simethicone, which are components of some antacids are not absorbed orally.[1,8]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
“No published information” means the studies do not exist yet — not that Antacids is known to be harmful, and not that it is known to be safe. Your prescriber or pharmacist can weigh your baby's age and whether a better-studied alternative would do the same job. Worth asking before stopping a medicine you need.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Antacids” (LM447). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.