Can you take naproxen while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
Limited information indicates that levels of naproxen in breastmilk are low and adverse effects in breastfed infants are apparently uncommon. However, because of naproxen’s long half-life and reported serious adverse reaction in a breastfed neonate, other agents may be preferred while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Quoted from Naproxen — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised June 15, 2025.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of naproxen. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much naproxen gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Peak milk naproxen levels in a 5-month postpartum patient were 1.1 to 1.3 mg/L while taking oral naproxen 250 mg twice daily and 2.4 mg/L with a dose of 375 mg twice daily. Peak milk levels occurred 4 to 5 hours after the dose and fell slowly over 12 to 24 hours. From urinary excretion data the authors estimated that the infant received 0.26% of the mother’s total dose or 1.9% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. Using the peak milk level data, the estimated maximum intake of an exclusively breastfed infant would be 2.2 to 2.8% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage, not including the contribution of any glucuronide metabolite.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Naproxen possibly caused prolonged bleeding time, thrombocytopenia and acute anemia in one 7-day-old infant of a mother also taking bacampicillin.
In one telephone follow-up study of 20 infants (ages not stated) exposed to naproxen during breastfeeding, 2 mothers reported drowsiness and 1 reported vomiting in their infants. None of the reactions required medical attention.
Effects on milk supply
A randomized study compared naproxen and tramadol for post-cesarean section pain. Patients received the drugs either on a fixed schedule or as needed. No difference in breastfeeding rates were seen among the groups.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take naproxen while breastfeeding?
Limited information indicates that levels of naproxen in breastmilk are low and adverse effects in breastfed infants are apparently uncommon. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of naproxen while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Acetaminophen, Celecoxib, Diclofenac, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Piroxicam as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does naproxen pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for naproxen are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking naproxen?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on naproxen
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.