Can I take 25mg of Benadryl while breastfeeding?

Understanding Benadryl and Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing allergy symptoms while breastfeeding, many mothers wonder about the safety of medications like Benadryl, which contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine. This antihistamine is commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. However, its use during breastfeeding raises important considerations.
Safety of Benadryl While Breastfeeding
Research indicates that Benadryl can pass into breast milk, which means it has the potential to affect a nursing infant. While occasional use of a 25 mg dose may not pose significant risks, it is generally advised that breastfeeding mothers exercise caution. The consensus among health professionals is that small, occasional doses of diphenhydramine are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, larger doses or prolonged use could lead to side effects, including drowsiness in the infant.
Potential Effects on Infants
Mothers should be aware that diphenhydramine can cause sleepiness in both adults and nursing babies. Some studies have reported that infants exposed to this medication may exhibit increased irritability or sleepiness. Therefore, while a single dose might be manageable, regular or high doses could potentially lead to more pronounced effects on the child.
Alternatives to Consider
For mothers dealing with chronic allergy symptoms, it may be beneficial to explore safer and more effective alternatives to Benadryl. Other antihistamines, such as loratadine, are often recommended as they are less likely to affect breastfeeding infants. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help identify the best options tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
In summary, while taking 25 mg of Benadryl occasionally while breastfeeding is generally considered safe, it is not the first choice for allergy relief. Mothers should weigh the potential risks and benefits, and consider discussing alternative medications with their healthcare provider to ensure both their health and the well-being of their child are prioritized.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

Does Benadryl mess with milk supply?

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.

What is the best sleep aid for breastfeeding moms?

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 it safe to take 25 mg of Benadryl while pregnant?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine that’s considered safe during pregnancy, and is used to treat allergies, allergic reactions, sleep problems, and morning sickness. It’s classified as a “Class B” drug during pregnancy by the FDA, meaning animal studies show it doesn’t cause harm to a fetus.

How much Benadryl can I take while breastfeeding?

You should avoid taking Benadryl while breastfeeding as it can cause drowsiness and lack of coordination to the parent, which could pose a danger to the baby. Moreover, as with all medications, Benadryl can get into breast milk and be passed along to the baby and cause colic-type symptoms, irritability, and drowsiness.

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).

How much Benadryl can a 20 lb baby have?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dose Chart

Weight	Milligram Dosage	Children’s liquid 12.5mg/5mL
11-16 lbs	6.25mg	2.5mL (1/2 tsp)
17-21 lbs	9.375mg	3.75mL (3/4 tsp)
22-27 lbs	12.5mg	5mL (1 tsp)
28-32 lbs	15.625mg	6.25mL (1 1/4 tsp)

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).

Does antihistamine dry up breast milk?

There is conflicting data on the effect of antihistamines and breast milk production, and the evidence is very limited. 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.

What is the best natural antihistamine?

Top 8 natural antihistamines for allergies

• Vitamin C.
• Quercetin.
• Ceylon cinnamon.
• Butterbur.
• Probiotics.
• Black pepper extract.
• Berberine.
• Spirulina.