Can I breastfeed if I take Benadryl?

Understanding Benadryl and Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing allergy symptoms while breastfeeding, many mothers may wonder about the safety of using Benadryl, a common over-the-counter antihistamine. The active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is known for its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. However, its implications for breastfeeding mothers and their infants require careful consideration.
Safety Concerns
Research indicates that Benadryl can pass into breast milk, which raises concerns about its potential effects on nursing infants. While occasional use of Benadryl is generally considered safe, it is not the first choice for breastfeeding mothers. The medication can lead to side effects in infants, such as drowsiness, which may be particularly concerning for new parents.
Experts suggest that while small, infrequent doses of diphenhydramine are unlikely to cause significant adverse effects in breastfed babies, larger doses or prolonged use could pose risks. These risks include potential drowsiness in the infant and even a decrease in milk supply, especially when combined with other medications.
Alternatives to Consider
For mothers dealing with chronic allergy symptoms, it may be prudent to explore safer alternatives. Other antihistamines, such as loratadine, are often recommended as they are less likely to affect breastfeeding infants. These alternatives can provide relief without the sedative effects associated with Benadryl.
Monitoring and Recommendations
If a breastfeeding mother chooses to take Benadryl, it is advisable to monitor the infant for any unusual signs, such as excessive drowsiness. Consulting with a healthcare provider is also recommended to discuss the best options tailored to individual health needs and circumstances.
In summary, while occasional use of Benadryl may not pose significant risks, breastfeeding mothers should weigh the potential effects on their infants and consider safer alternatives for managing allergy symptoms.

Does Benadryl affect the baby while pregnant?

Benadryl is considered to be safe during pregnancy. Doctors and nurses recommend this OTC medication to help relieve allergy symptoms, even while you’re pregnant. Recent studies have found Benadryl to be safe. However, always remember that no medicine — prescription or OTC — is ever 100 percent safe during pregnancy.

What happens if I take Benadryl while breastfeeding?

The active ingredient, diphenhydramine, can affect a baby. Some of the possible side effects of Benadryl on nursing babies include drowsiness, excitability, and irritability. The younger the baby, the more likely the side effects are to occur.

How many hours does it take Benadryl to wear off?

In conclusion, how long does it take Benadryl to wear off depends on a variety of factors, including age, dosage, and individual health conditions. Typically, the drug’s effects wear off within 4 to 6 hours, but it can remain in your system for up to 48 hours.

How much Benadryl can I take while pregnant?

According to the FDA, Benadryl is a Category B medication, meaning that it is considered generally safe for pregnant people to take the recommended adult dose.

How long after taking antihistamines can I breastfeed?

Antihistamines, used at normal therapeutic doses are unlikely to affect breast milk production, especially where lactation is established, i.e. after 6-8 weeks postpartum.

How long does Benadryl stay in your system baby?

How long does Benadryl stay in your system? For most adults, Benadryl can stay in your system for up to about 60 hours (2.5 days). For children, it doesn’t stick around quite as long. Children retain Benadryl in their bodies for up to about 35 hours (about 1.5 days).

What effect does Benadryl have on an infant?

Serious side effects, such as seizures, are more likely to occur in younger children and could pose greater risk to infants or young children when compared to older children or adults. In general, children are more sensitive than adults to the side effects of antihistamines.

Can I pass my allergies to my baby through breastfeeding?

Food allergens in the mother’s diet can pass through into the breastmilk so a breastfed baby can have an allergic response or intolerance to something in the mother’s diet.

What is the most safe antihistamine 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 safest antihistamine while breastfeeding?

Non-sedating antihistamines are the preferred choice for a breastfeeding mother: Loratadine (Clarityn®) (Powell 2007, Hilbert 1997), Cetirizine (Zirtek®, BecoAllergy®, Piriteze®, Benadryl®) reaches low levels in breastmilk and is recommended by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Powell 2007)