Last update Aug. 8, 2024
Likely Compatibility
We do not have alternatives for Caffeine.
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.
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Caffeine is also known as
Caffeine in other languages or writings:
Caffeine belongs to these groups or families:
Main tradenames from several countries containing Caffeine in its composition:
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e-lactancia is a resource recommended by IHAN of Spain
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Trimethylxanthine stimulant of the central nervous system which is present in many compounds like decongestant or pain relief drugs (50 to 100 mg per unit) ( (Mitchell 1999). It is also used to treat primary apnea in the premature newborn. It is present in many infusion beverages (coffee, tea, mate, guarana), in cocoa/chocolate and other drinks with cola or allegedly energizing properties. (Barone 1996, Fulton 1990).
Mean Caffeine content (Myo 2022, González 2015, Santos 2012):
Caffeine is excreted in human milk in moderate but potentially significant amounts. (Calvaresi 2016, Stavchansky 1988, Ryu 1985, Bucher 1985, Berlin 1984, Findlay 1981, Tyrala 1979)
Moderate coffee consumption does not produce significant levels of caffeine in plasma or urine of infants, and may be undetectable or below therapeutic levels in the neonatal period. (Blanchard 1992, Fulton 1990, Berlin 1984, Hildebrandt 1983, Bailey 1982, Rivera 1977)
Doses greater than 300 - 500 mg of caffeine daily can cause nervousness, irritability and insomnia in the infant (Santos 2012, Martin 2007, Clement 1989, Rustin 1989), as well as decreased iron levels in breast milk and anemia in the infant (Muñoz 1988). Also has been related to the Raynaud's phenomenon in the nipple of nursing women. (McGuinness 2013)
One study found no problems in infants whose mothers consumed 500 mg of caffeine daily for 5 days. (Ryu 1985)
There is insufficient evidence on the recommended amount of caffeine during lactation. (McCreedy 2018)
The elimination half-life, of a few hours in adults, can be 10 times longer in preterm infants and during the neonatal period, reaching adult values by 3-5 months of age. (McNamara 2004, Oo 1995)
The high doses (500 - 1,000 mg) that are used intravenously to treat post-epidural headache would be compatible with breastfeeding for the first few days, while the milk comes in. To watch for irritability in the infant.
The elimination half-life, of a few hours in adults, can be 10 times longer in preterm infants and during the neonatal period, reaching adult values by 3-5 months of age. (McNamara 2004, Oo 1995)
The moderate use of caffeine during breastfeeding is considered compatible or probably compatible by various experts (Hale 2019, Briggs 2017, Bordini 2016, Davanzo 2014, Rowe 2013). The American Academy of Pediatrics rates caffeine compatible with breastfeeding. (AAP 2001)
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