Which analgesic is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding?

• A. Codeine
• B. Ibuprofen
• C. Warfarin
• D. Aspirin

Answer: (B)

Choosing an analgesic for breastfeeding focuses on medicines that relieve a mother's pain while having minimal transfer to the infant. Ibuprofen is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding because only tiny amounts pass into breast milk and there’s no evidence of harm to breastfed babies, making it a safe, practical option for practical pain relief and inflammation.

Codeine can pose a risk to the breastfeeding infant because some people metabolize it into morphine very quickly, which can lead to serious respiratory depression in the infant. Aspirin is usually avoided during breastfeeding due to potential risks to the infant, including bleeding effects and, in some cases, the rare concern for Reye syndrome. Warfarin isn’t an analgesic at all, so it doesn’t fit the purpose of this question.