4mths post-partum, exclusively breastfeeding, is it safe for me to take naproxen (aleve) for a toothache?

Yes: Naproxen is safe with breast feeding at the normal doses listed on the bottle/ box

Avoid: I would use tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen instead, in your situation.

Yes: If you child is 4 months old was not a preemie there is a very low probability of harm. Especially if you are talking only for a few doses. Naproxen is excreted into the breast milk. In pregnancy it is a B class, but D if child is near term or preemie (effects the heart).

Breastfeeding: Yes you can take either naproxen or aleve for a tooth ache

Tylenol (acetaminophen) better: Naproxin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) which can, although rarely, cause bleeding problems in a breast fed infant. Additionally, infants under 6 months of age are not advised to be given NSAIDS because of a very remote possibilty that it could close a structure in the heart called a PDA. Naproxen will be at highest concentration in breast milk in four hours after dosing.

Alternative drugs: Because of Naproxen's long half-life (stays longer in your body) and reported serious adverse reaction in a breastfed neonate, other drugs may be preferred while nursing a newborn such as Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen.

Safe but see Dentist: Naproxen taken as directed should be safe but it is not a substitute for seeing a dentist to fix the problem. You may have a serious underlying issue that will only get worse if not attended to quickly.

STOP!: Naproxen (Aleve) can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Call your Dentist for emergency treatment of your infected tooth. Pain killer won't "cure" tooth.

See a dentist: Of course you can take OTC painkillers. If the toothache is caused by an infection or tooth decay, it won't go away on its own. The best way to prevent a toothache is to handle dental problems early on when they are treatable. It helps you to stay pain free, maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and improve your general health. Take care.

Look for another: medication. This medication is listed as "possibly unsafe". You are best to find an alternative for pain control like tylenol (acetaminophen). On another issue pain bad enough for meds should be seen by a dentist because you may have a dental infection. Hope you feel better and congradulations on your new baby.

Aleve (naproxen): It does get into the breast milk and cause prolonged bleeding times in newborns and lowered platelet counts which is temporary. Tylenol (acetaminophen) would be safer, but since you baby is 4 months old the risk is less than if the baby was a newborn. I would limit your use of it.

No: Reported serious adverse reaction in a breastfed newborn raises doubt about its safety in breastfed infants.

Yes: It is perfectly fine to take an NSAID for a toothache. If the pain persists, you will want to check with your dentist to see if something serious is going on.