Nursing moms should avoid certain medicines

June 09, 2002|By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph., Tribune Media Services.

Q. I'm nursing my 8-week-old son and now I'm sick. Is it OK for me to take an over-the-counter cough/cold remedy? I don't have the money to see a doctor. Please help.

--R.E., Fort Worth, Texas

A. The health department in your area can help you. But it's important for breast-feeding moms to know that many drugs pass through the breast milk directly to your baby. Most of the time, it's not a problem, but there are many drugs that are.

You should definitely ask a doctor for a recommendation. He or she will tell you what to avoid and how you can adjust the timing and dosing of a particular drug so it's right for you. In general, saline nasal sprays and humidifiers are safe to use, as well as some cough drops.

Q. I know that tomatoes are high in lycopene and I eat this to avoid prostate problems. But will it be enough to avoid medication in the future?

--K.E., Boulder, Colo.

A. That's impossible to know. What's certain is that this potent scavenger of free radicals may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including prostate, colon and esophageal cancer. Just recently, a study showed that women with the highest lycopene levels showed lower risk of developing precancerous signs in the cervix. And it's not just cancer. Because lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, it has positive effects everywhere in the body, including the heart and immune system.

Lycopene is most often associated with tomatoes. But other foods have it too. In fact, watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable, according to the National Watermelon Promotion Board. (Yes, this is a real organization!) Watermelon packs a punch, weighing in with lycopene levels of about 10 milligrams per cup, compared to 4 milligrams per cup of fresh tomato. Some will argue that ketchup has more lycopene because it's processed, and processing tomatoes boosts lycopene content.

Regardless, you shouldn't depend on tomatoes to evade trouble later in life. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in fiber. Take a good brand of vitamins and see your physicians regularly.

Q. Have you ever heard of using a blood pressure pill to treat migraines?

--S.P., New York

A. Yes, there are a few medications that have been used to treat migraines.

The theory is that if you can stabilize blood vessels and alter a few enzyme reactions in the body, you will reduce the number of certain types of headaches.

Most recently, lisinopril was found to be beneficial. This a popular blood pressure drug that goes by two brand names, Prinivil and Zestril.

This drug reduced the frequency, duration and severity of migraines by up to 20 percent.

It does require prescription and, as with any medication, there are side effects.

Did you know?

Telling your kids to take medicine by calling it "candy" is a no-no.

If they come across medicine when you're not looking, they will be more likely take it on their own.

