Is there a decongestant medication that is safe for breastfeeding (e.g. Tylenol for colds and sinuses)?

Hello,

Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine contained in Tylenol sinus or Advil sinus are safe for breastfeeding children. However, they can decrease milk production by up to 24%, which is why they should be used with caution when breastfeeding

If you have congestion, the best solution is a nasal douche (e.g. Sinus rinse) to irrigate the secretions in your nose. If you absolutely must have a decongestant while not impacting your milk production, then the best option would be to use a nasal spray decongestant (ex: Drixoral, Otrivin) that acts locally in the nose. However, they should not be used for more than 7 days to avoid rebound congestion.

We look forward to hearing from you,

Sarah-Yan Chagnon, pharmacist