Can I breastfeed with Unisom?

Understanding Unisom and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face dilemmas regarding medication use, particularly when it comes to over-the-counter sleep aids like Unisom. This concern is not just about the effectiveness of the medication but also about the potential impact on both the mother and the infant.
What is Unisom?
Unisom is a brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine commonly used to treat allergies and promote sleep. It is known for its sedative properties and is frequently recommended for those suffering from occasional insomnia or nighttime restlessness. However, the safety of using Unisom while breastfeeding raises important questions.
Safety of Unisom During Breastfeeding
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, diphenhydramine is considered a Category L3 medication, which indicates that it is possibly compatible with breastfeeding, but there are no controlled studies in breastfeeding women. The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that while it is not contraindicated, caution is advised.
1. Transfer to Breast Milk: Studies show that diphenhydramine can pass into breast milk in small amounts. The concentration in breast milk is typically lower than that found in the maternal bloodstream, but it still poses a risk, especially if taken in large doses or for extended periods.
2. Infant Exposure: The potential effects of diphenhydramine on a breastfeeding infant are not well-documented. Some infants may experience sedation, irritability, or other adverse effects, particularly if the mother takes higher doses or if the infant is particularly sensitive.
3. Recommendations for Use: Health professionals often suggest that if a breastfeeding mother decides to take Unisom, she should:
– Use the lowest effective dose.
– Limit the duration of use.
– Monitor the infant for any unusual behavior or signs of sedation.
Alternative Approaches
For mothers looking for alternatives to medications, several non-pharmacological strategies can help improve sleep quality:
– Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and minimizing caffeine intake can be effective.
– Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga may aid in relaxation and promote better sleep without the need for medication.
– Consultation: Speaking with a healthcare provider can also provide personalized strategies and options tailored to the individual’s needs.
Conclusion
While Unisom might be a tempting option for breastfeeding mothers struggling with sleep issues, it is essential to weigh the benefits against potential risks to the infant. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any medication is strongly advised to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and child. Ultimately, informed decisions and careful monitoring can help mothers navigate the complexities of medication use while breastfeeding.

Does diphenhydramine dry up breast milk?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

Who should not use Unisom?

In addition, doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) might not be right for people who’ve certain medical conditions, such as breathing problems (e.g., emphysema or bronchitis), glaucoma, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate. This is because doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) might worsen the symptoms of these conditions.

How long does doxylamine succinate stay in your system?

The drug has an elimination half-life of about 10 hours in healthy adults. It is easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Following an oral dose of 25 mg the mean peak plasma level is 99 ng/mL 2.4 hours after ingestion. This level declines to 28 ng/mL at 24 hours and 10 ng/mL at 36 hours.

Will doxylamine dry up breast milk?

Taking too much doxylamine may decrease the amount of breast milk your body makes. Doxylamine also likely passes into breast milk. The effect this drug has on a breastfeeding child is unknown. However, doxylamine is an antihistamine, and these drugs are known to cause drowsiness.

Is Unisom safe for babies?

Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Also, do not give the 25 milligram tablets to children younger than 12 years, unless directed by the doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.

What medication dries up milk supply?

Women sometimes to ask for a tablet to stop their milk supply. This medication works best if it is taken within 12- 24 hours of your baby’s birth. The medication is not routinely prescribed in hospital due to the many side effects and health risks with this medication. The medication is called cabergoline (Dostinex®).

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

What sleep aid is safe while breastfeeding?

However, the ‘z- drugs’ (zolpidem and zopiclone) are preferred for the short-term management of insomnia during breastfeeding, as they have shorter half-lives than the benzodiazepines and appear to pass into breast milk in small amounts. Melatonin can also be used in breastfeeding with caution.

Is Unisom ok to take while breastfeeding?

It’s also a good idea to avoid over-the-counter allergy, cold and sleep medications that contain antihistamines that can cause drowsiness — such as chlorpheniramine (Advil Allergy Sinus), diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy and Vick’s ZzzQuil) and doxylamine (Unisom).

Does Unisom affect the baby?

It is generally safe to take the recommended adult dosage of Unisom during pregnancy. According to the FDA, the risk of birth defects and other pregnancy complications is low.