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Can you take claritin and Flonase while breastfeeding?

Claritin and Flonase: Safety During Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing allergies while breastfeeding, many mothers wonder about the safety of medications like Claritin (loratadine) and Flonase (fluticasone). Understanding the implications of these medications is crucial for nursing mothers who want to alleviate their symptoms without compromising their baby’s health.
Claritin (Loratadine)
Claritin is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. This second-generation antihistamine is known for its effectiveness in treating allergy symptoms without causing significant sedation, which is a common concern with some other antihistamines. Research indicates that loratadine is excreted in breast milk in minimal amounts, making it a preferred choice for nursing mothers.
Moreover, experts recommend loratadine as one of the safest antihistamines during breastfeeding, alongside cetirizine (Zyrtec). However, mothers should be cautious with Claritin-D, which contains pseudoephedrine. This combination can potentially impact milk supply, so it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using it.
Flonase (Fluticasone)
Flonase is also deemed safe for breastfeeding. This nasal corticosteroid is effective in reducing inflammation and alleviating nasal symptoms associated with allergies. Similar to loratadine, fluticasone is excreted in breast milk in very low concentrations, which suggests that it poses minimal risk to breastfeeding infants.
The use of Flonase can be particularly beneficial for mothers who experience nasal congestion or other allergy-related symptoms, as it targets the nasal passages directly and reduces systemic exposure.
Conclusion
In summary, both Claritin and Flonase are safe options for breastfeeding mothers looking to manage allergy symptoms. While loratadine is a reliable antihistamine with minimal side effects, fluticasone provides effective relief from nasal inflammation. As always, it’s best for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to tailor their allergy management plan to their specific needs while ensuring the safety of their breastfeeding journey.

What is the safest antihistamine 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)

Can you take Claritin and use Flonase together?

Question: If someone is using a nasal steroid spray, such as Nasonex or Flonase, is it okay or even desirable to also use an oral antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Claritin? Answer: Yes, both antihistamines and nasal steroids can be used, depending on the clinical symptoms and the response to treatment.

Is Claritin ok to take while breastfeeding?

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.

What medications cannot be taken with FLONASE?

Cautions with other medicines

  • medicines used to treat HIV, such as ritonavir or cobicistat.
  • medicines used to treat fungal infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole.
  • other medicines that contain steroids, such as eczema creams, asthma inhalers, steroid tablets, injections, other nasal sprays and drops, or eye drops.

Do antihistamines 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.

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.

Is Flonase safe for breastfeeding mothers?

It’s usually OK to use your fluticasone nasal spray or drops as normal while you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known how much fluticasone gets into breast milk, but it’s likely to be a tiny amount.

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.

Can you take Claritin and FLONASE while pregnant?

Safe Medications During Pregnancy
Do not use sustained action forms or multiple symptom forms of these drugs. Allergies: Zyrtec, Benadryl, Allegra, Tavist, Claritin, Afrin spray, Flonase, Nasacort, Neo Synephrine. Constipation: Citrucel, Colace, Metamucil, Senecot, Milk of Magnesia.

What is the best nasal spray for allergies while breastfeeding?

Corticosteroid nasal sprays containing beclomethasone and budesonide are considered safe to use during breastfeeding. Decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline or tramazoline may be used if corticosteroid and antihistamine nasal sprays have not relieved the symptoms.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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