Can I take Claritin while 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 maternal health and infant safety.
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 breastfed infants.
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, with studies indicating that about 1.6% of infants experienced drowsiness and 10% showed signs of irritability. However, these occurrences are relatively rare, and many mothers report no negative effects on their children.
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 a less suitable option for nursing women.
Conclusion
In summary, taking Claritin while breastfeeding is largely considered safe, with minimal risk to infants. However, mothers should remain vigilant for any unusual reactions in their babies. If there are concerns or if a mother experiences side effects, consulting a healthcare provider is always a prudent step. As with any medication, individual circumstances can vary, and professional guidance can help ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

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.

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).

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 OK for breastfeeding moms?

Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include: 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.

Will Claritin hurt my milk supply?

Yes, Claritin is considered safe to take while breastfeeding.

Will Claritin decrease milk supply?

Is It Safe to Take Claritin While Breastfeeding? While regular Claritin is completely fine, taking Claritin-D while breastfeeding may reduce milk supply. Claritin-D contains both loratadine, an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine sulfate, a nasal decongestant,2 which may reduce milk supply, says Silverman.

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.

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.

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.