urgent help please, asthma drugs and breastfeeding

[ruty]

Have a virus which has triggered bad asthma, haven't had it for years. Had to go on salbutamol nebulizer last night at emergency docs, quite a large dose of ventolin, and prescribed ventolin inhaler which i am taking every few hours. Doc said fine for breastfeeding, but i have noticed my dd is very drowsy last night and today, slept without waking, very unusual, and now asleep quite heavily again, a lot of noise around and hasn't woken, very unusual. She was ok when she was awake but definite change in sleeping behaviour. Have called drugs breastfeeding network line and left a message. Anyone know about asthma drugs and breastfeeding?

bump

Sorry Ruty, I don't know but wanted to bump it up for you. Hope you get the info you need.

thanks. very worried. Doc seemed so blase about it.

does it say anything on the information you've got with the medication. Or is it just the age old 'consult a doctor'? Hopefully the BFN will get back to you soon.

I was told it was fine to use my asthma medication whilst breastfeeding.

Perhaps she is has a little of the virus that you have, I would call your GP and get her checked out if you're worried, it'll put your mind at rest.

it was just the nebulizer i was worried about, it was a much larger dose of salbutamol. Yes we all have the virus and we're all coughing but luckily the children have been ok with it so far.

Asthma meds are fine for breastfeeding babies. I take beclamethasone and salbutamol and have done while pregnant and breastfeeding each of my DC and there are no contraindications I am aware of. It is more likely a coincidence and possibly virus related? I am also coughing away and hoping my latest LO doesn't succumb.

thanks it was just a much bigger dose.

They safely use very high doses of Salbutamol to halt premature labour - much higher doses than those used in a nebuliser, and in the womb the baby would be much more affected I imagine.

I think the amount that reaches breast milk would be less so, and whether via nebuliser or inhaler, the drug is directly applied to the lungs, so less of it reaches your bloodstream and then even less your breast milk. Asthma UK is tel. 0800 121 62 44 if you wanted to give an Asthma Nurse a ring?

I think I'd be leaning more towards the little one having your virus, but can imagine how worrying this is.

My asthma is worse today too - I'm putting it down to the crap weather; mine is always pants when its wet outside.

thanks Jetli, i may try calling them. Sorry yours is bad, I haven't had it for years, so a bit of a shock.

I'd be surprised if the effect of the salbutamol was to make your lo sleepy, I always thought its side-effect in children was the opposite.

Have to say my asthma's atrocious atm, hay fever related.

yes it makes my heart race. sorry to hear you're suffering too.

Hi ruty - hope you're feeling better and the little one too?

Hi Jetli - thanks - we're still feeling pretty awful, some horrible fluey thing, but asthma not so bad. Hope not swine flu! I really hope dd does not start to feel as bad as me.

yes quite Lenin! Breathing probably preferable! Both my dcs have the virus, just hoping it doesn't make them feel as crap as I am, they're coping at the moment..

I haven't had it for so long it is annoying. Ah well.

Hope you are all on the mend soon ruty-household
Can't be having you all poorly for a probably wet Bank Holiday weekend.

and here is this lovely sunshine while we're all grotty and stuck indoors and dh in london getting swine flu working.

Hope you're all on the road to recovery now ruty