Help!!! on Vicadin for Mouth Surgery and Need to Nurse!

Updated on October 14, 2008
K.L. asks from Orland Park, IL
8 answers

Hi Ladies,
I was wondering if anyone has some experience or useful info on this. I had my teeth pulled yesterday and I'm on vicadin for a few days most likely. The problem is that I need to nurse my nearly 12mo old and am not sure what to do. The pharmacist wasn't much help, just said that the medication would get into my breast milk-well duh! Anyway, I am taking the vicadin anywhere from every 4-8 hours as I am afraid of the pain getting out of hand and I was wondering this: If I wait 3-4 hrs after taking the meds to nurse and/or take the meds after or just when I begin to nurse, will this keep the majority of it from getting into the breast milk? I know breasts are great filters and I was wondering if can safely take advantage of that fact. It seems harmless enough. I've tried the sippy cup but she is very into the actual nursing--it's like her woobie, ya know? She was inconsolable this morning...help! (I still nurse her 4 -6 times daily incl upon waking in morn. It's part of our routine.)

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So What Happened?

Thanks SO much. I feel a lot better about it now. I waited until 4 hours after my dose and nursed her. She was in heaven! :D

Featured Answers

M.C.

answers from Chicago on

VICADIN for having a tooth pulled ?
What is wrong with these doctors today????
This stuff is highly adictive,and should be taken maybe after a leg amputation and so forth, but not for a tooth extraction.
I had a wisdom tooth taken out of my bones with a saw, and was fine with Tylenol.Always doing some research before taken any medication,doctors these days are completely careless.
Not all,but a lot.Trust me,I'm an RN.
Good luck

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P.D.

answers from Chicago on

Katie:

Vicadin is used regularly for breastfeeding mothers with infants much younger than yours... IT should not be a problem.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

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L.K.

answers from Chicago on

I would just take tylenol and ice your cheek on and off for twenty minutes.When I had my tonsils out out could only take tylenol liquid because I am allergic to coedine. The ice on my throat really helped.If you take the tylenol as directed (on time) you should be able to keep up with the pain. Hope this helps:)

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F.J.

answers from Chicago on

I was taking vicodin and told by my doctors (Ob and peditrician) it was ok. I had a C-section with my first and they said it would be fine. I nursed solely at first and dealt with my ob and a lacatation consultant.

The meds take a while to get into your system anyway and even then your baby shoudln't be getting that much. You can try using ibuprofin for the pain too however depending on your pain level you may need the vicodin for a few days.

Seriously your No. 1 concern is YOU... if you are in pain your baby will feel that too!!

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K.T.

answers from Chicago on

there are guidelines for drug ingestion and recommended lag time after for a nursing session. A registered nurse should be able to tell you as well as your doctor. you can call a triage nurse at your ER and get advice over the phone.

there is a book called Medications and Mothers' Milk http://www.amazon.com/Medications-Mothers-Milk-Thomas-Ph-...

this doctor has an awesome online drug forum
http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/
you can look your drug up and get guidelines there.

don't be afraid to call doctors and nurses.!.

take care,
K.

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R.K.

answers from Chicago on

Vicadin is just tylenol with codine, basically. It is safe for both nursing and pregnant women. It shouldn't affect your little one at all.

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T.C.

answers from Chicago on

I will be honest and say that I do not for sure but look at it this way....

When you gave birth what medicine did they give you? I know I was on Morphine and for 2 weeks after I took Vicaden as needed (had a complicated c-section) and also while I was sick I was given a cough medicine with codiene in it. THis was all while breastfeeding my preemie daughter!

I would suggest calling the hospital and speaking to a lactation consultant or nurse in the L&D floor about the meds. They helped me several times and have a book that they can look up the safety of it in.

Also, congrats on breastfeeding for as long as you have been! I think that is wonderful!
Good luck and many blessings to you and yours!

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K.

answers from Chicago on

Glad things are going well! Once your pain subsides a bit - probably in a couple days - you can just take a large dose of ibuprofin (like 600 mg every 6 hours) and that's fine to do while nursing. I was doing that for several weeks after my c-section with my son.

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