Last update April 5, 2025

Acetaminophen

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Analgesic and antipyretic. Indicated in the treatment of pain and fever. It has a weak anti-inflammatory effect. Oral, intravenous and rectal administration, every 4, 6 or 8 hours.

It is excreted in very small quantities in breast milk. (Tamaki 2024, AEMPS 2017, GSK 2015, Notarianni 1987, Bitzén 1981, Findlay 1981, Berlin 1980, Hurden 1980) 

The amount that the infant can receive through breast milk is much lower than the usual pediatric dose.(Lee 1993) 

The urinary levels of infants have been undetectable. (AEMPS 2017, Berlin 1980) Other authors have measured insignificant levels in urine, but only paracetamol, not their metabolites as in adults.(Notarianni 1987) 

No problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were taking it,(AEMPS 2017, Ito 1993) except for one case of mild dermatitis in an infant. (Matheson 1985) 

No association has been observed between maternal paracetamol use and neurodevelopmental disorders in infants (autism spectrum disorder, ASD, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder,ADHD).

The hepatotoxicity of paracetamol is lower in newborns and small infants due to hepatic immaturity: the low levels of specific cytochrome P-450 enzymes hinder the conversion of the drug into its toxic metabolites. (Reece 2017, Sachs 2013) 

Ibuprofen 400 mg and acetaminophen 1 gram every 6 hours after normal vaginal delivery improved breastfeeding frequency compared to on-demand administration. (Bachar 2024)

There was no significant difference in the frequency of breastfeeding initiation between ibuprofen or acetaminophen administration for pain control after vaginal delivery. (Ram 2024)

Medication commonly used in Pediatrics, with authorized use in neonates, including premature infants.

American Academy of Pediatrics: medication usually compatible with breastfeeding. (AAP 2001)

List of essential medicines WHO: compatible with breastfeeding. (WHO / UNICEF, 2002) 

The manufacturer (AEMPS 2017, GSK 2015) and expert authors and medical associations consider it compatible with breastfeeding. (Reece 2017, Davanzo 2014, Rowe 2013, Worthington 2013, Sachs 2013, Amir 2011, Zrour 2010, Chen 2010, Østensen 2007, Nice 2004, Bannwarth 2003, Bar-Oz 2003, Janssen 2000, Nice 2000, Spigset 2000, Mitchell 1999, Bodley 1997, Lee 1993, Bitzen 1981, Berlin 1980)

In case of high-dose acetaminophen intoxication, it is advisable to wait 5-7 ½ T (15-21 hours) after ingestion before resuming breastfeeding, and to assess the mother's plasma levels. Acetylcysteine (used for detoxification) does not contraindicate breastfeeding. 

There are no studies linking the use of paracetamol during breastfeeding with the risk of autism in infants.

One mother reported to us in 2021 that when she took paracetamol, her infant had a diarrhoeic stool.


See below the information of these related products:

  • Acetylcysteine (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Migraine (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Acetaminophen since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

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José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Acetaminophen is also known as Paracetamol.


Acetaminophen in other languages or writings:

Group

Acetaminophen belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Acetaminophen in its composition:

List of 361 tradenames

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 75 - 85 %
Molecular weight 151 daltons
Protein Binding 10 - 25 %
VD 1 l/Kg
pKa 9.5 -
Tmax 0.2 - 2 hours
T½ 1 - 3 hours
M/P ratio 0.9 - 1.4 -
Theoretical Dose 1.5 - 2.25 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 2.3 - 5.2 %
Ped.Relat.Dose 2.5 - 3.75 %

References

  1. Tamaki R, Noshiro K, Furugen A, Nishimura A, Asano H, Watari H, Kobayashi M, Umazume T. Breast milk concentrations of acetaminophen and diclofenac - unexpectedly high mammary transfer of the general-purpose drug acetaminophen. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2024 Jan 29;24(1):90. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Bachar G, Alter A, Justman N, Buchnik Fater G, Farago N, Ben-David C, Abu-Rass H, Siegler Y, Hajaj A, Landau-Levin M, Zipori Y, Khatib N, Weiner Z, Vitner D. Fixed-time interval vs on-demand oral analgesia after vaginal delivery: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2024 May;6(5):101372. Abstract
  3. Ram S, Madar D, Ram HS, Peleg G, Lior Y, Greenfeld A, Yakov G, Yogev Y, Maslovitz S. Paracetamol versus ibuprofen for early postpartum pain control: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2024 Nov 5. Abstract
  4. AEMPS. Paracetamol. Ficha técnica. 2017 Full text (in our servers)
  5. Reece-Stremtan Sarah, Campos Matilde, Kokajko Lauren, and The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #15: Analgesia and Anesthesia for the Breastfeeding Mother, Revised 2017. Breastfeed Med. 2017 Nov;12(9):500-506. Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. GSK. Paracetamol (Panadol). Drug Summary. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  7. Davanzo R, Bua J, Paloni G, Facchina G. Breastfeeding and migraine drugs. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2014 Abstract
  8. Sachs HC; Committee On Drugs. The transfer of drugs and therapeutics into human breast milk: an update on selected topics. Pediatrics. 2013 Sep;132(3):e796-809. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Rowe H, Baker T, Hale TW. Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):275-94. Abstract
  10. Athavale MA, Maitra A, Patel S, Bhate VR, Toddywalla VS. Development of an in vitro cell culture model to study milk to plasma ratios of therapeutic drugs. Indian J Pharmacol. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. Worthington I, Pringsheim T, Gawel MJ, Gladstone J, Cooper P, Dilli E, Aube M, Leroux E, Becker WJ; Canadian Headache Society Acute Migraine Treatment Guideline Development Group. Canadian Headache Society Guideline: acute drug therapy for migraine headache. Can J Neurol Sci. 2013 Sep;40(5 Suppl 3):S1-S80. Review. Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  12. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011 Sep;40(9):684-90. Review. Abstract
  13. Zrour-Hassen S, Jguirim M, Aouam K, Korbaa W, Younes M, Bejia I, Touzi M, Bergaoui N. [Safety of rheumatic disease drugs at childbearing age]. Therapie. 2010 Abstract
  14. Chen LH, Zeind C, Mackell S, LaPointe T, Mutsch M, Wilson ME. Breastfeeding travelers: precautions and recommendations. J Travel Med. 2010 Jan-Feb;17(1):32-47. Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  15. Zrour-Hassen S, Jguirim M, Aouam K, Korbaa W, Younes M, Bejia I, Touzi M, Bergaoui N. [Safety of rheumatic disease drugs at childbearing age]. Therapie. 2010 Abstract
  16. Østensen M, Motta M. Therapy insight: the use of antirheumatic drugs during nursing. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. 2007 Abstract
  17. Nice FJ, De Eugenio D, Dimino TA, Freeny IC, Rovnack MB, Gromelski JS. Medications and Breast-Feeding: A Guide for Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and Other Healthcare Professionals. Part I. J Pharm Technol 2004;20:17-27. doi: 10.1177/875512250402000106.
  18. Bar-Oz B, Bulkowstein M, Benyamini L, Greenberg R, Soriano I, Zimmerman D, Bortnik O, Berkovitch M. Use of antibiotic and analgesic drugs during lactation. Drug Saf. 2003 Abstract
  19. Bannwarth B, Péhourcq F. [Pharmacologic basis for using paracetamol: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic issues]. Drugs. 2003 Abstract
  20. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  21. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001 Sep;108(3):776-89. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  22. Nice FJ, Snyder JL, Kotansky BC. Breastfeeding and over-the-counter medications. J Hum Lact. 2000 Nov;16(4):319-31. Review. Erratum in: J Hum Lact 2001 Feb;17(1):90. Abstract
  23. Spigset O, Hägg S. Analgesics and breast-feeding: safety considerations. Paediatr Drugs. 2000 Abstract
  24. Janssen NM, Genta MS. The effects of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications on fertility, pregnancy, and lactation. Arch Intern Med. 2000 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  25. Mitchell JL. Use of cough and cold preparations during breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1999 Abstract
  26. Bodley V, Powers D. Long-term treatment of a breastfeeding mother with fluconazole-resolved nipple pain caused by yeast: a case study. J Hum Lact. 1997 Abstract
  27. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M, Eliopoulos C, Koren G. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993 May;168(5):1393-9. Abstract
  28. Lee JJ, Rubin AP. Breast feeding and anaesthesia. Anaesthesia. 1993 Jul;48(7):616-25. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  29. Notarianni LJ, Oldham HG, Bennett PN. Passage of paracetamol into breast milk and its subsequent metabolism by the neonate. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1987 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  30. Matheson I, Lunde PK, Notarianni L. Infant rash caused by paracetamol in breast milk? Pediatrics. 1985 Abstract
  31. Findlay JW, DeAngelis RL, Kearney MF, Welch RM, Findlay JM. Analgesic drugs in breast milk and plasma. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1981 May;29(5):625-33. Abstract
  32. Bitzén PO, Gustafsson B, Jostell KG, Melander A, Wåhlin-Boll E. Excretion of paracetamol in human breast milk. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1981 Abstract
  33. Berlin CM Jr, Yaffe SJ, Ragni M. Disposition of acetaminophen in milk, saliva, and plasma of lactating women. Pediatr Pharmacol (New York). 1980 Abstract
  34. Hurden E L, Harvey D R, Lewis P J. Excretion of paracetamol in human breast milk. In: Neonatal Society Meeting held on 4 July 1980 in Southampton. Arch Dis Child. 1980 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

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