Is It Safe for My Baby? - Asthma Medications

(e.g., salbutamol (Ventolin®), fluticasone (Flovent®), budesonide (Pulmicort®), zafirlukast (Accolate®))

Risks During Pregnancy

• Most inhaled asthma medications are safe, as they are not absorbed enough into the bloodstream to pass a significant amount to the baby.
• Oral asthma medications in tablet form (e.g., zafirlukast (Accolate)) have not been well studied, so the risk is unknown.
• Uncontrolled asthma is dangerous to the mother and the unborn baby. It can lead to a lack of oxygen to the baby and result in the mother having to be in hospital.

Recommendations During Pregnancy

• Ask your doctor which inhalers and other medications are safe to use.
• Monitor your asthma closely and tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse.

Risks During Breastfeeding

• Most inhaled asthma medications are safe, as they are not absorbed enough into the bloodstream to pass a significant amount to the baby.
• Oral asthma medications in tablet form (e.g., zafirlukast (Accolate)) have not been well studied, so the risk is unknown.

Recommendations During Breastfeeding

• Check with your doctor or lactation consultant about breastfeeding while taking asthma medications.

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