Can I take Claritin when 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
Claritin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that loratadine passes into breast milk in very low amounts, which minimizes the risk of adverse effects on infants. According to the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, loratadine is one of the preferred antihistamines for breastfeeding mothers due to its low sedative effects compared to other antihistamines.
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 noted mild irritability and drowsiness in their babies after the mother took loratadine. Specifically, about 1.6% of parents observed drowsiness, while 10% reported irritability . These figures suggest that while side effects are possible, they are relatively uncommon.
Claritin vs. Claritin-D
It’s important to differentiate between Claritin and Claritin-D. The latter contains pseudoephedrine, which can potentially affect milk supply. Mothers are advised to avoid Claritin-D while breastfeeding, as it may reduce milk production. Therefore, if you’re considering antihistamines, sticking with regular Claritin is the safer choice.
Conclusion
In summary, Claritin is a viable option for breastfeeding mothers seeking relief from allergy symptoms. Its low transfer to breast milk and minimal sedative effects make it a preferred choice among healthcare professionals. However, as with any medication, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider before starting treatment, especially if you notice any unusual behavior in your baby after taking the medication. This proactive approach ensures both mother and child remain healthy and comfortable.

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.

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.

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).

What can I take for allergies 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)

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.

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.

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 Zyrtec 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.

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.

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.