The Basics
What is Ibuprofen?
Used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness, reduce fever, and to relieve minor aches and pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches.
Brand names for Ibuprofen
Advil, Motrin, And Nurofen
How Ibuprofen is classified
Analgesic Agents, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents
Ibuprofen During Pregnancy
Ibuprofen pregnancy category
Category B/B/DNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ibuprofen while pregnant
Can you take ibuprofen while pregnant? Use with caution; avoid in third trimester
Taking Ibuprofen While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ibuprofen?
Because of its extremely low levels in breastmilk, short half-life and safe use in infants in doses much higher than those excreted in breastmilk, ibuprofen is a preferred choice as an analgesic or anti-inflammatory agent in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because of its extremely low levels in breastmilk, short half-life and safe use in infants in doses much higher than those excreted in breastmilk, ibuprofen is a preferred choice as an analgesic or antiinflammatory agent in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Ibuprofen on milk supply
Relevant published information on this aspect of taking ibuprofen while breastfeeding was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Ibuprofen
Acetaminophen, Flurbiprofen, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Piroxicam.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Weibert RT, Townsend RJ, Kaiser DG et al. Lack of ibuprofen secretion into human milk. Clin Pharm. 1982;1:457-8. PMID: 7184678
2. Townsend RJ, Benedetti TJ, Erickson SH et al. Excretion of ibuprofen into breast milk. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1984;149:184-6. PMID: 6720796
3. Walter K, Dilger C. Ibuprofen in human milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1997;44:211-2. PMID: 9278216
4. Rigourd V, de Villepin B, Amirouche A et al. Ibuprofen concentrations in human mature milk-First data about pharmacokinetics study in breast milk with AOR-10127 Antalait study. Ther Drug Monit. 2014;36:590-6. PMID: 24695355
5. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168:1393-9. PMID: 8498418
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
