Citramon during breastfeeding - is it allowed?

What is the effectiveness of Citramon?

What is the mechanism of action of Citramon? There are many medications for headaches, but very often many people prefer this one.

Citramon contains the following components:

• Acetylsalicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory drug that has many side effects and is prohibited for children under 15 years of age.
• Caffeine is a psychostimulant component that also has contraindications; it is prescribed only in emergency cases.
• Paracetamol is an antipyretic and pain reliever that children can take.

Based on the composition of Citramon, we can say that it contains some components that are undesirable for a woman during lactation.

Composition and release form

Tablets called Citramon are sold in all pharmacies without a prescription. That is why the famous remedy for migraines is found in almost every home. The drug has an affordable price and is very effective in relieving pain. The basis of the drug is:

• Aspirin (antiseptic effect);
• cocoa (antidepressant and stimulating effect on the body);
• caffeine (dilates blood vessels);
• Phenacetin (the side effects of the drug are currently being studied, so it is withdrawn from circulation);
• citric acid (needed to normalize cellular respiration).

Almost all varieties of the drug are available in the form of light brown tablets with small inclusions and the smell of cocoa. One package can contain from 6 to 10 pieces.

• In pharmacies you can increasingly find such a type of drug as Citramon P. The letter added to the name means the inclusion of Paracetamol in the base of the drug. Thanks to this component, the drug has an additional antipyretic and bactericidal effect, which allows its use at elevated body temperature (hyperthermia).
• Another form of release of the drug is Citramon Forte. This remedy is prescribed for rapid relief from pain. One tablet of Citramon Forte is 30% more powerful than usual.
• Citramon Darnitsa is no different from the other forms of release described above. The main composition remains the same.
• Citramon Ultra differs from others in that it is available in the form of film-coated tablets.
• The Borimed variety is effective only for mild or moderate pain syndromes.
• Citramon Lect is not approved for use by children under 14 years of age due to the content of Aspirin.

It is worth recalling that absolutely any drug therapy during breastfeeding (BF) must be agreed upon with the treating specialist.

Aspirin: negative impact on the child’s body

Is it possible to drink Citramon while breastfeeding? When taken, the medicine enters the mother’s body, and then, along with milk, into the newborn’s body. The baby may experience side effects that the drug has. The most dangerous effect is the suppression of platelet synthesis, which can cause bleeding in the child. Aspirin may cause hemorrhagic diathesis in a newborn, a disease characterized by bruising under the skin and sometimes internal bleeding.

Aspirin has a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to a newborn's refusal to breastfeed and cause regurgitation or even vomiting. Possible liver dysfunction.

Disorders associated with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract can only occur with regular use of the drug, but this depends on the characteristics of the child’s body.

Taking aspirin can cause allergic reactions in a newborn and cause the development of aspirin-induced bronchial asthma.

What is the mechanism of action of Citramon? The most negative impact on a child's body can be the occurrence of Reye's syndrome. It is characterized by damage to the nervous system and liver in a child. This is why aspirin is not allowed for children under 15 years of age.

Harm of Citramon for a child

Citramon is a combination drug that contains paracetamol, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and caffeine. It helps with dental, headache, muscle, menstrual and other pains, with infections and colds, and fever.

• hemorrhagic diathesis – bleeding and skin bruising, low blood clotting;
• irritation of the digestive system – nausea, vomiting, liver dysfunction;
• bronchial asthma;
• increased excitability and sleep disturbance;
• allergies: rash, itching;
• deterioration of vision and hearing, tinnitus;
• inhibits the functioning of nerve cells.

Severe side effects indicate that the baby should not be exposed to such a risk. Citramon should not be taken while breastfeeding. Nursing mothers with severe pain can use other means and methods.

Why is Citramon dangerous for babies? Because this medicine, namely its component acetylsalicylic acid, has a large number of adverse reactions and can harm the baby. Often the medicine causes the development of bronchial asthma, deterioration of the child’s hearing and vision.

• has a negative impact on the functioning of the digestive tract and can provoke the development of ulcers and erosions;
• adversely affects the functioning of the liver and kidneys;
• impairs blood clotting, severe nasal or internal bleeding may occur;
• provokes the appearance of severe allergic reactions - from skin rashes of varying degrees of intensity to anaphylactic shock;
• development of hemorrhagic diathesis;
• the baby becomes nervous and sleeps poorly;
• Citramon can provoke migraines and dizziness in infants.

Even a single dose of medication can negatively affect your baby's health, so you should not take it while breastfeeding.

5-6 days after the mother takes the medicine, the baby may begin to vomit severely, develop severe dehydration, and due to increased intracranial pressure, the tension of the large fontanelle may increase.

The consequence is convulsions, breathing problems, coma, deterioration of brain function, mental retardation. And all this can be provoked by ordinary “safe” Citramon.

Caffeine is a source of increased excitability in infants

Can Citramon be given to a nursing mother? Caffeine, which is part of the drug, is a psychostimulant, and although it is not prohibited for use in childhood, it is prescribed for diseases that are accompanied by depression of the nervous system.

In a newborn, caffeine can cause sleep disturbances, regurgitation and increased excitability. All this will affect his physical and emotional development.

Is it possible to use Citramon while breastfeeding? A one-time use of the drug by the mother will not affect the health of the baby; such symptoms are possible only with regular use.

How it works and what it treats: active substance

Citramon is often used to eliminate headaches, dental, muscle, menstrual, joint pain, as well as to combat neuralgia and fevers. Each component of Citramon can have a certain effect on the health of the mother and child, often negative. A more detailed examination of the individual elements of the drug allows us to understand its exact effect on the health of a nursing mother.

In general, the drug has pronounced analgesic, antipyretic, psychostimulating and antibacterial effects. But individual components individually can be quite dangerous.

The main role in the composition of the drug is given to Aspirin: it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. During the absorption of the component, blood clotting decreases and the tissues of the digestive organs are partially destroyed. Taking the drug too often leads to the development of peptic ulcers or gastritis.

It is precisely because of the detrimental effect on the heart muscle and digestive organs that it is not recommended to take Citramon while breastfeeding.

The next most important component of the drug is caffeine. This component suppresses the functioning of the nervous system. During breastfeeding, caffeine consumption can cause the mother to:

• hot temper and irritability;
• depressed state;
• depression.

In infants, caffeine causes:

• frequent regurgitation;
• insomnia;
• general malaise;
• anxiety in behavior.

Caffeine is not recommended during lactation.

Today this substance is prohibited, as it can cause a number of side effects. It’s better not to risk your baby’s health by taking Citramon during lactation.

Paracetamol is an approved drug for children

Can Citramon be given to a nursing mother? Of all the substances included in the drug, paracetamol is considered the most harmless for children. Pediatricians prescribe it to reduce fever in various diseases.

The effect of paracetamol is associated with inhibition of the production of prostaglandins in the body, which are formed in areas of inflammation and cause an increase in temperature by stimulating the thermoregulation center located in the brain.

The drug is considered a safe antipyretic; its breakdown in the child’s body occurs without the formation of toxic metabolites and does not harm the liver. Therefore, Paracetamol is often used to reduce fever, including in children under one year of age.

What is the drug Citramon

In Europe and America, this medicine is unknown to both patients and doctors. For post-Soviet people, Citramon still helps relieve headaches, migraines, joint pain, menstrual pain and high fever. Few people know, but the drug can help cope with cold symptoms no worse than advertised tablets and powders, and all because it contains all the components necessary for this:

• acetylsalicylic acid - quickly relieves inflammation, fever and has an analgesic effect;
• caffeine - improves blood circulation, eliminates drowsiness, improves performance;
• paracetamol - has analgesic and antipyretic properties.

All three components in Citramon harmoniously complement each other.

The classic drug is called Citramon P. At the beginning of production, the drug included phenacetin instead of paracetamol. It is now prohibited for use due to severe side effects. The Citramon tablet is light brown in color with heterogeneous inclusions and a pleasant smell of cocoa. The blister contains 10 tablets.

Modern Citramon differs from its long-standing predecessor in its safe composition

Pharmacological companies produce Citramon under different names, sometimes adding other components to the three main components. Each name may have its own characteristics:

• in Citramon Forte the content of the main components is almost thirty percent higher than in the classic medicine;
• in Citramon Ultra, already known components are contained in film-coated tablets;

  
  The film shell of Citramon Ultra protects the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach from the negative effects of drugs

• Citrapak is enriched with vitamin C.

When taking a large amount of any type of Citramon, an overdose of caffeine is possible. Therefore, when using this medicine, you should limit your consumption of coffee, dark chocolate and cocoa.

Prices for all types of Citramon are quite affordable - from five to seventy rubles.

Citramon (and all its derivatives under this name) can relieve mild and moderate pain.

Rules for taking Citramon while breastfeeding

Does Citramon increase or decrease blood pressure? Despite the serious contraindications that arise when taking the drug, many women sometimes take it for headaches and recommend it to others. After all, Citramon, thanks to the caffeine it contains, can increase blood pressure, especially when it is low.

When a woman experiences a headache and she only has this drug, she can use Citramon. After all, you cannot endure pain, because it is stress for the body. And it negatively affects the breastfeeding process.

If a woman decides to take Citramon, then she needs to follow some rules:

• Be sure to weigh the positive and negative aspects that may arise when taking the drug. Is it worth risking your child's health?
• You can reduce the dose of the medicine. Instead of taking a whole tablet, take half.
• It is better to take Citramon after feeding the baby in order to reduce the effect on his body.
• Between feedings, a woman needs to drink a lot of fluids to quickly remove the medicine from the body.
• You should definitely pay attention to the behavior of the newborn; if any deviations occur, then in this case it is better to consult a doctor.

Is it possible to use Citramon while breastfeeding? By taking the drug, a woman who is breastfeeding puts his life and health at risk. Therefore, she needs to choose medications that effectively control the pain and will not harm the baby.

Conclusion

Having compared all the pros and cons of taking Citramon, we can say with certainty that it is better to avoid this drug when breastfeeding. It can only be prescribed by a doctor who considers this measure necessary to treat the patient, but such use of the drug can cause side effects in the newborn. It is better to suspend breastfeeding while using Citramon.

Citramon is a medicine known to many since the times of the USSR. Developed by Soviet pharmacologists, it remained in the medicine cabinets of people living in the post-Soviet space as a time-tested remedy in case of sudden pain. But can Citramon be used by a woman during lactation, does it pass into breast milk and what symptoms does it cause in a breastfed child?

How to replace Citramon when breastfeeding?

Some women believe that Citramon is completely safe and does not affect the child in any way. To avoid negative consequences that may occur when taking the drug, it is better to use other means.

The safest medications for women during this period are considered to be Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. Nurofen and Panadol are also allowed for use. They are used as painkillers and are allowed for infants from 3 months of age.

For spasmodic pain, a woman can take No-Shpu or Drotaverine. It is better to take all medications in smaller dosages to avoid the accumulation of harmful substances in the body of the mother and child.

Effect on a newborn baby: taken during breastfeeding

Citramon contains only two non-hazardous components: Paracetamol and cocoa. The remaining components are harmful to the baby's health. Possible consequences for the baby include:

1. Decreased blood clotting with skin bruising.
2. Decreased immunity and, as a result, infection with viral infections.
3. Digestive tract disorders (vomiting, nausea, stool upset, etc.).
4. Bronchial asthma.
5. Kidney and liver problems.
6. Disturbance in sleep and wakefulness.
7. Allergy.
8. Slowing down the nervous system.
9. Swelling of the brain.
10. Noticeable decline in vision and hearing.

These side effects are enough to conclude that Citramon is harmful for breastfeeding. Only children, unlike mothers, react much more vividly to the components of the drug supplied to them through mother's milk. Therefore, the consequences of taking it for their body are much worse.

How to cope with headaches without medications?

Before taking the medicine, a woman can try to cope with pain with alternative means. The following methods can be used:

• Walking in the fresh air helps relieve pain, as a common cause of this condition is a lack of oxygen.
• You can rub your temples with “Star” balm, which will relieve discomfort.
• A woman needs to try to rest more and sleep enough time.
• There is no need to rush to take the medicine; it is better to drink sweet tea and ventilate the room.

Is it possible to drink Citramon for headaches while breastfeeding? The decision must be made by the woman herself, weighing all the pros and cons that may arise when taking this drug.

Alternative Treatment

Walking in the fresh air and rubbing your temple with Vietnamese “Star” balm will help eliminate headaches. In addition, tea with lemon or honey is an excellent remedy. Of course, if the baby is not allergic to these products.

To reduce other types of pain, you can take Nurofen or Ibuprofen. These are relatively harmless drugs that have minimal effect on the baby’s body.

At temperatures above 37 degrees, Paracetamol, which does not contain dangerous acid, will be safe and will quickly relieve fever and inflammation. In addition, the drug is eliminated from the mother’s body within two hours.

Thus, during lactation you can consume:

• Paracetamol;
• Ibuprofen;
• Nurofen;

Naproxen and ketoprofen also do not cause severe side effects. However, studies of the effect of these drugs on the child’s body have begun recently, so the medicine should be taken with caution.

Remember that any medicine during lactation can only be taken after consulting a doctor. In addition, certain rules must be followed when taking it.

What to do if a nursing mother is in pain

In case of pain and high fever in a nursing mother, doctors recommend replacing Citramon with another drug that is safer for the baby:

• Paracetamol. This is a cheap and affordable medicine that can be purchased at any pharmacy. You can also use drugs based on it. They are available under different commercial names: Panadol, Efferalgan, Acetaminophen. All of them are recommended for use by breastfeeding women by the World Health Organization. At the same time, up to twenty percent of the active substances penetrate into breast milk, so it is better to take the pill immediately after feeding.
• Ibuprofen and drugs based on it (Nurofen, Ibuprom). They are recognized as fully compatible with lactation. It has been proven that less than one percent of the active substances penetrate into milk.
• Drotaverine (Drotaverine hydrochloride, No-shpa). Antispasmodic. The medication reduces the tone of smooth muscles, dilates blood vessels, and eliminates pain. A single dose of 1 or 2 tablets of the drug is acceptable. It is better to do this after feeding the baby and not to put him to the breast for the next 2 hours.

If a nursing woman decides not to take medications, then to relieve pain during lactation, she can try alternative methods: aromatherapy (with essential oils of lavender, lemon, lemongrass, mint) or massage.

Some doctors claim that the well-being of a nursing woman always affects the mood and health of the child. Therefore, you can drink Citramon if there is an emergency need for it. For example, a young mother cannot leave her child and go to the pharmacy, or the pain began at night, and there are no other drugs at hand except Citramon. Suffering a headache is much more dangerous than taking a pill of this drug. But you should protect your baby as much as possible from the negative effects of the drug:

• The drug is used once during feeding. A nursing mother can relieve pain with it, but must take measures to replenish her first aid kit with safer medications in the near future.
• Take 1 or 2 tablets of the drug after feeding the baby.
• A pronounced therapeutic effect appears within 30–60 minutes. To reduce the risk of the drug entering the newborn’s body, you should not apply it to the breast during this period.

Prohibited drugs

Citramon is produced in the form of round tablets of light brown color with inclusions. Sold in strips of 6 pieces or blisters of 10 pieces.

The variety of names for the same drug Citramon is due to the large number of manufacturers of this medication. But despite this, its qualitative composition remains unchanged. Citramon differs from different manufacturers in the ratio of active ingredients.

Active ingredients of Citramon and their effects on the body:

1. Paracetamol. It has an analgesic, antipyretic and to a small extent anti-inflammatory effect.
2. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). It has an antipyretic and analgesic effect, fights viruses and improves blood circulation in the area of ​​inflammation.
3. Caffeine. Normalizes the tone of blood vessels, stimulates the respiratory and vasomotor muscles, improves blood flow to the central nervous system, increases mental and physical activity.

Thus, Citramon has an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effect on the body. Aspirin in combination with paracetamol increases the analgesic effect. Ascorbic acid and paracetamol in combination with caffeine in the drug help to quickly reduce body temperature.

Table: content of active ingredients in the drug Citramon depending on the manufacturer

Citramon Ultra differs not only in its composition, but also in the presence of a film shell, which makes it easier to swallow, and also increases the rate of absorption and weakens the effect of aspirin on the gastrointestinal tract.

Photo gallery: Citramon from different manufacturers

Indications for use of Citramon during breastfeeding

You must first seek medical help from a doctor to identify the cause of the pain.

Tolerating a painful condition means subjecting your body to even greater stress, which leads to depression and psychological disorders. It is better to find products for breastfeeding headaches that will not harm your baby, because a nursing mother should take care of not only herself.

Doctors have already helped us with this: they found out which drugs are safe and effective if we need to get rid of pain.

Paracetamol

Doctors with extensive experience and decent education will tell you exactly which remedies for headaches during lactation cannot be used. These include all products containing analgesics or other highly active active ingredients - Pentalgin, Tempalgin, Sedalgin, Baralgin, Spazmalgon, Benalgin, Baralgetas, and any other modern drugs with a similar composition.

Do you prefer proven folk remedies for headaches instead of pharmaceutical drugs? Then we recommend you try the following:

• Rub a small amount of “Star” balm into your temples. As practice shows, this remedy helps relieve mild headaches or distract from strong ones. The disadvantage of this method is the possibility of getting a burn if you have sensitive skin. In pharmacies you can buy various patches that will help relieve headaches - try several, and you will definitely find one that suits you.
• Don't hold back your emotions when you have a migraine. According to studies, venting anger can relieve migraine symptoms.
• Take a contrast shower or hot bath. Hot baths for hands and feet are also effective.
• If you suffer from migraines caused by muscle tension, massage your neck area.
• Take a walk in the fresh air, try to relax while walking.

By following these simple rules, you can reduce headaches and improve your well-being.

Before taking any medication for a headache, a nursing mother can try to cope with the ailment without medication:

• Walking in the fresh air often helps to get rid of the disease, since it is often caused by a lack of oxygen.
• Star balm applied to the temples can relieve discomfort. Pharmacies sell other balms and stick-on patches that have a similar effect. In this case, the woman must monitor her condition so as not to get burned.
• Proper rest and sleep often make it possible to forget about a headache, since it can be based on chronic fatigue and lack of sleep.
• Airing the room and sweet tea can also help improve the mother’s condition.
• A hot bath and taking a contrast shower can ease the mother's condition.
• Cervical massage will help you get rid of migraines caused by muscle tension.
• Some doctors believe that migraines can be caused by stress and anger that has been pent up for a long time. Relief can come after a person throws out emotions by swearing (preferably at inanimate objects).

Thus, knowing about all the consequences of taking citramon, mommy must decide for herself whether to use this drug to combat headaches. Mom needs to consult with a specialist, since it is necessary to fight not with the effect, but with the cause of migraine.

So, citramon and quinine are dangerous for a baby who is breastfed. Which pills are relatively safe? The following drugs can be mentioned:

• Paracetamol;
• Ibuprofen;
• Naproxen;
• Ketoprofen.

However, taking these medications for headaches should be limited to 2-3 days and taken no more than 3 times a day. The effects of naproxen and ketoprofen on the body of children have not yet been fully studied, so they should be taken with even greater precautions.

When taking any medications, you should follow the following rules:

• Carefully monitor the child’s well-being, and if there is any deterioration, immediately stop taking the drug;
• It is better to take the tablets immediately after feeding to reduce the content of the drug in milk;
• If the drug is contraindicated during breastfeeding, it is better to stop lactation for the duration of treatment, while constantly expressing milk.

The best solution for a nursing mother is to avoid any medications during breastfeeding. If it is impossible to do without them, all possible measures should be taken to ensure the safety of the child.

Headaches during breastfeeding easily unsettle and complicate the life of a nursing mother. To quickly fix the problem, you can take a pill. However, not every medicine is safe for babies and lactation. Let's look at what medications are allowed during breastfeeding.

When breastfeeding, take Ibuprofen-based medications in rare cases and only after consulting a doctor. A small amount of the drug passes into the milk, so the tablets will not cause serious damage. But if you take the medicine daily, you should stop breastfeeding while you take it. To maintain a normal level of lactation, you can express milk.

However, it is Ibuprofen (Nurofen and Mig) that can cure migraines and prolonged headaches. A stronger and more selective remedy, Sumamigren, will help relieve migraines. This is the only potent drug from the group of triptans that is approved for lactation.