Can a breastfeeding mom take loratadine?

Can a Breastfeeding Mom Take Loratadine?
For breastfeeding mothers dealing with allergies, the question of whether to take loratadine, a popular non-sedating antihistamine, often arises. The good news is that current research suggests that loratadine is generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding, but there are important nuances to consider.
Safety Profile of Loratadine
Loratadine, commonly known by the brand name Claritin, is favored for its minimal sedative effects and low levels in breast milk. Studies indicate that loratadine passes into breast milk in small amounts, which means it is unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology supports this view, recommending that breastfeeding mothers can take loratadine at its lowest effective dose.
Moreover, the Lactation Database (LactMed) highlights that loratadine’s low milk levels and lack of sedation make it a suitable choice for nursing mothers. This is particularly relevant as many mothers are concerned about the potential impact of medications on their infants.
Potential Effects on Lactation
While loratadine is generally safe, it is essential to note that it may have a negative effect on lactation, especially when combined with other medications like sympathomimetics (e.g., pseudoephedrine). Therefore, mothers should be cautious and ideally consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Consultation is Key
Despite the reassuring data, it is always prudent for breastfeeding mothers to consult their healthcare provider before taking loratadine or any medication. Individual circumstances can vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s health and the infant’s needs.
Conclusion
In summary, loratadine is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when taken at low doses. Its low transfer into breast milk and minimal sedative effects make it a preferable choice among antihistamines. However, as with any medication, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and child.

Who should not take loratadine?

Do not self-treat with this medication without consulting your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions such as: kidney disease, liver disease. Loratadine does not usually cause drowsiness when used at recommended doses.

Is loratadine safe for pregnancy?

Conclusion: These results suggest that loratadine use in pregnancy is not associated with a large risk for major malformations.

Why can’t you take antihistamines while breastfeeding?

There are relatively fewer data on the nonsedating second-generation antihistamines; however, published studies are reassuring. All antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in the breast milk and would not cause any adverse effects on a breastfeeding infant.

Will Claritin dry up my breast milk?

Is It Safe to Take Claritin While Breastfeeding? While regular Claritin is completely fine, taking Claritin-D while breastfeeding may reduce milk supply. Claritin-D contains both loratadine, an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine sulfate, a nasal decongestant,2 which may reduce milk supply, says Silverman.

Is loratadine safe while breastfeeding?

Loratadine and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take loratadine while breastfeeding. There is some information available which shows that only tiny amounts get into breast milk. It has been used for many years in breastfeeding women without side effects in their babies.

What allergy pill can I take while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the preferred antihistamine when breastfeeding. Other second-generation antihistamines are also considered safe, but do not have as much research to support their use. These include Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratidine), and Xyzal (levocetirizine).

What is the difference between Claritin and loratadine?

Claritin is the brand name for loratadine, which is an antihistamine. Histamines are inflammatory chemicals released by your immune system in the presence of allergens. “Histamine causes many of the allergy symptoms people can experience, like itching, sneezing, and a runny nose or eyes,” explains Tara F.

Does loratadine affect babies?

The amount of loratadine in breastmilk is too low to cause problems for most babies. Loratadine is one of the preferred antihistamines for use during breastfeeding because it is less likely to cause drowsiness (sleepiness) for the person who is breastfeeding or the baby than some other antihistamines.

Does loratadine affect pregnancy?

Conclusion: These results suggest that loratadine use in pregnancy is not associated with a large risk for major malformations. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and to increase study power.

Should I take Claritin or zyrtec while breastfeeding?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are the recommended antihistamines when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra and Xyzal. Antihistamines such as Zatador are available as eye drops, which help itchy, watery eyes.