Can I take Claritin if breastfeeding?

Claritin and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
When it comes to managing allergies while breastfeeding, many mothers wonder about the safety of medications like Claritin, which contains the active ingredient loratadine. Understanding the implications of taking this antihistamine during lactation is crucial for both the mother and the baby.
Safety Profile of Claritin
According to health experts, Claritin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology supports the use of loratadine, indicating that it can be taken within recommended limits while nursing. The amount of loratadine that passes into breast milk is minimal, which significantly reduces the risk of adverse effects on the infant.
Potential Side Effects
While the majority of mothers can take Claritin without issues, there are some reported side effects. A small percentage of parents have observed mild irritability and drowsiness in their babies after the mother took the medication. Specifically, about 1.6% of parents noted drowsiness, while 10% reported irritability . However, these occurrences are relatively rare, and many studies have shown that the levels of sedation in breastfed infants whose mothers took Claritin were comparable to those in control groups.
Claritin vs. Claritin-D
It’s important to differentiate between Claritin and Claritin-D. While Claritin is deemed safe, Claritin-D, which contains pseudoephedrine, may affect milk supply and is generally advised against for breastfeeding mothers. Pseudoephedrine can lead to reduced milk production, making it crucial for nursing mothers to avoid this variant if they wish to maintain their milk supply.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
As with any medication, it is always wise for breastfeeding mothers to consult their healthcare provider before starting Claritin or any new medication. Individual health circumstances can vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s specific situation.
In summary, Claritin is a safe option for breastfeeding mothers looking to alleviate allergy symptoms, with minimal risk of side effects for their infants. However, caution should be exercised with Claritin-D, and professional medical advice is recommended to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

Which works better, Claritin or Zyrtec?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are two popular brands. They contain different compounds but appear to be equally effective. Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes, itchy skin, hives, and swelling.

What allergy pill can I take 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).

Does Claritin affect baby?

Claritin is safe to take during pregnancy and nursing. However, a person should always consult a doctor before taking any medication while pregnant or nursing. While most antihistamines are safe, other medications, such as decongestants, may pose a risk to the pregnant person and fetus.

Who should avoid Claritin?

Claritin is generally avoided during pregnancy and nursing. Pregnant women may take Claritin only if it is clearly needed. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding. Claritin should not be used in children younger than 6 years of age unless directed by a doctor.

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.

Is Claritin safe to take while breastfeeding?

Fortunately, experts say that you can safely take Claritin while breastfeeding. Claritin is an antihistamine, which passes through breast milk in such a low quantity that it won’t hurt your baby.

Do antihistamines dry up milk supply?

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.

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.

What medications drop milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec, although generally safe, is not recommended during breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Possible side effects on the baby include irritation or lethargy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.