HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Nursing Mother. Started Passing Loose Stool. Safe To Take Eldofer?

default
Posted on Thu, 25 Apr 2013
Question: Hello Doctor,
This query is regarding my wife's health.
She is a mother of 1 month old baby and she is giving mothers milk to our daughter. From yesterday she had to go to stools four times a day (semi-solid, no change in colour or smell observed). She is getting tired because of this.
Is it OK to take some medicine like "Eldofer" at this stage as she is feeding baby? or Please suggest an alternative medicine which can be used at this stage?
Thanks in advance.
Regards
XXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (33 minutes later)
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for your query.

Eldofer is an anti-diarrheal medication which contains Loperamide. It acts by reducing the gastro-intestinal motility and thereby arrests diarrhea.

The safety of using Loperamide (Eldofer) in breast-feeding mothers is not clearly established. However, it is not secreted in significant amounts in breast milk and there have been no major adverse effects on the baby which have been reported so far.

But I would advise you that it's better to avoid Eldofer, unless the diarrhea is severe. It is better to give her ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), like Electral for her tiredness. This will replace the lost fluids and salts and will be an absolutely safe option.

Since she is having only semisolid stools without any foul-smell or blood or mucus, it is likely to be a mild viral diarrhea only, and so, it should settle down on its own soon.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 2190 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Nursing Mother. Started Passing Loose Stool. Safe To Take Eldofer?

Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for your query.

Eldofer is an anti-diarrheal medication which contains Loperamide. It acts by reducing the gastro-intestinal motility and thereby arrests diarrhea.

The safety of using Loperamide (Eldofer) in breast-feeding mothers is not clearly established. However, it is not secreted in significant amounts in breast milk and there have been no major adverse effects on the baby which have been reported so far.

But I would advise you that it's better to avoid Eldofer, unless the diarrhea is severe. It is better to give her ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), like Electral for her tiredness. This will replace the lost fluids and salts and will be an absolutely safe option.

Since she is having only semisolid stools without any foul-smell or blood or mucus, it is likely to be a mild viral diarrhea only, and so, it should settle down on its own soon.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar