Can I take Benadryl for hives while breastfeeding?

Can I Take Benadryl for Hives While Breastfeeding?
When it comes to managing hives while breastfeeding, many mothers may wonder about the safety of using Benadryl, a common antihistamine. The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, which can indeed enter breast milk and potentially affect a nursing infant. However, the implications of taking this medication while breastfeeding are nuanced and warrant careful consideration.
Safety of Benadryl During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that occasional doses of Benadryl are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to various sources, small, infrequent doses are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, it is essential to note that while Benadryl may provide relief from hives, it is not always the first-line treatment recommended for nursing mothers. Some experts suggest that there are safer and more effective alternatives available, especially for chronic allergy symptoms.
Potential Effects on Infants
While occasional use may be safe, larger doses or prolonged use of diphenhydramine can lead to complications. These may include drowsiness in the infant or even a decrease in milk supply, particularly if combined with other medications. Therefore, if a breastfeeding mother chooses to take Benadryl, it is advisable to do so immediately after breastfeeding. This timing can help minimize the amount of medication present in breast milk when the baby is next fed.
Alternatives and Recommendations
For mothers dealing with hives, it is crucial to explore all available options. Identifying and avoiding triggers—such as certain foods or environmental factors—can be an effective strategy. Additionally, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide tailored advice and possibly recommend alternative antihistamines that may pose less risk to breastfeeding infants.
In summary, while Benadryl can be used occasionally by breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to weigh the benefits against potential risks. Consulting with a healthcare provider is always the best course of action to ensure both the mother’s and the baby’s health are prioritized.

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.

Can you take Benadryl for hives when pregnant?

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. But always talk to your physician or midwife before taking Benadryl or any medication during pregnancy.

Can hives affect my unborn baby?

And while hives are hands-down the worst pregnancy side effect Graff experienced in her three pregnancies, she was relieved to learn that they wouldn’t affect her baby – and recalls that they disappeared after she gave birth. Curious about hives in pregnancy? Read on to learn the causes, as well as treatment options.

What to put on postpartum hives?

Medical treatments:

• To get relief from the postpartum rash, use medical creams such as steroid creams, anti-itch lotions, and so on.
• Antihistamines, which are drugs used to treat allergies, are examples of medications.
• Getting allergy shots and keeping an EpiPen on hand.

What can a breastfeeding mom take for hives?

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)

How long should I wait to breastfeed after taking Benadryl?

Also ask how long the medicine will be in your breast milk, so you can plan for future feedings or pumping. Hux says that 50 milligrams of Benadryl, which is usually the dose taken for an allergic reaction, is going to stay in your system for about eight hours or even a little longer.

What can I take instead of Benadryl 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.

Why is Benadryl not safe for breastfeeding?

Taking Benadryl occasionally during breastfeeding is safe. However, taking Benadryl regularly or in large doses may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. It may also reduce your milk supply. Antihistamines that cause less sleepiness are usually preferred over oral Benadryl while breastfeeding.

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 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).