Can I breastfeed if I took Benadryl?

Understanding Benadryl and Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing allergy symptoms while breastfeeding, many mothers may wonder about the safety of taking Benadryl, a common over-the-counter antihistamine. The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, which is known for its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. However, the implications of using this medication while nursing require careful consideration.
Safety Profile of Benadryl for Nursing Mothers
According to health experts, occasional use of Benadryl while breastfeeding is generally considered safe. Small doses are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, it is crucial to note that diphenhydramine can pass into breast milk, which means that while a single dose may not pose significant risks, larger doses or prolonged use could potentially affect the infant. This could manifest as increased drowsiness or other side effects in the baby .
Potential Effects on Infants
The primary concern with Benadryl is its sedative properties. Infants exposed to diphenhydramine through breast milk may experience drowsiness, which can be concerning for parents. While occasional doses are not expected to cause problems, mothers should be cautious about the frequency and amount of Benadryl they take. Regular or high doses could not only affect the infant but might also decrease the mother’s milk supply, particularly when combined with other medications that have similar effects.
Alternatives to Consider
For mothers dealing with chronic allergy symptoms, it may be wise to explore alternatives to Benadryl. 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 side effects associated with diphenhydramine.
Conclusion
In summary, while occasional use of Benadryl is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to be mindful of dosage and frequency. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help ensure that both the mother’s health and the baby’s well-being are prioritized. If allergy symptoms persist, discussing alternative medications that are safer for breastfeeding may be the best course of action.

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).

Which antihistamine is considered safe for a woman who plans to breastfeed?

Considering the minimal exposure of a nursing infant to the drugs through breast milk, maternal use of loratadine, desloratadine, or fexofenadine in a standard therapeutic dose is unlikely to result in adverse effects in nursing infants and is considered to be compatible with breastfeeding.

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 much Benadryl will dry up breast milk?

“I tell my clients not to take any antihistamines—if they can avoid them—because they tend to dry up the breastfeeding [parent’s] milk. Although everyone’s body is different, just one dose can impact milk supply,” claims Lexi Hess, a certified lactation counselor in Ohio.

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)

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.

How long do antihistamines stay in your system?

The active ingredient, diphenhydramine, typically stays in your system for 24 to 48 hours, but its half-life can vary depending on factors like age, liver function, and dosage. Diphenhydramine exhibits anticholinergic effects, which can lead to side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and severe drowsiness.

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.

Can you flush Benadryl out of your system?

Water: Drinking plenty of water helps in flushing out Benadryl from the body. Although this is a simple way to flush out the medication, this technique is safe and effective to do as it also helps in relieving allergic symptoms. Additionally, drinking water also removes other toxins in the body.

When can I breastfeed after taking Benadryl?

If your doctor does advise you to take Benadryl for some reason, you can take it before bedtime after you’ve just breastfed your baby, or you might take it while you’re breastfeeding so it can start clearing your system before the next feeding.