Does diphenhydramine affect breast milk?

Understanding the Impact of Diphenhydramine on Breast Milk
Diphenhydramine, commonly known by its brand name Benadryl, is a first-generation antihistamine frequently used to alleviate allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and insomnia. For breastfeeding mothers, concerns often arise regarding the safety of medications and their potential effects on breast milk and nursing infants.
Effects on Breast Milk Supply
Research indicates that small, occasional doses of diphenhydramine are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, caution is advised with larger doses or prolonged use. Such scenarios may not only affect the infant but could also lead to a decrease in milk supply. This is particularly true when diphenhydramine is combined with other medications, such as sympathomimetics like pseudoephedrine, which are known to further impact milk production.
Transfer to Breast Milk
Diphenhydramine does pass into breast milk, albeit in small amounts. Studies have shown that while the medication can cause drowsiness in adults, it may also induce similar effects in nursing infants. Reports suggest that babies exposed to diphenhydramine through breast milk may exhibit increased sleepiness or irritability. This raises important considerations for mothers who may need to care for their infants while experiencing the sedative effects of the drug.
Recommendations for Use
While diphenhydramine is classified as low risk for breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to use it judiciously. Healthcare providers often recommend that mothers limit their use of diphenhydramine to occasional instances and monitor their infants for any unusual behavior or side effects. If a mother finds herself needing to use diphenhydramine frequently, it may be wise to consult with a healthcare professional to explore alternative treatments or strategies that minimize potential risks to both mother and child.
In summary, while diphenhydramine can be used by breastfeeding mothers with caution, awareness of its effects on both milk supply and infant behavior is crucial. As always, open communication with healthcare providers can help ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and baby.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

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 sleep drops while breastfeeding?

No known contraindications. SleepDrops is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is non-addictive, non-drowsy and will not interfere with any medications.

How long to wait to breastfeed after 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.

Does diphenhydramine affect breast milk supply?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Larger doses or more prolonged use may cause effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as pseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established.

What sleep aid is safe while breastfeeding?

However, the ‘z- drugs’ (zolpidem and zopiclone) are preferred for the short-term management of insomnia during breastfeeding, as they have shorter half-lives than the benzodiazepines and appear to pass into breast milk in small amounts. Melatonin can also be used in breastfeeding with caution.

What medicine dries up breast milk?

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

What pill dries up breast milk?

Key takeaways: Birth control methods with estrogen, cold medications with pseudoephedrine, and the fertility medication clomiphene can all dry up your breast milk supply. Some people have suggested that diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may affect breast milk supply, too.

How long does diphenhydramine stay in your system?

The active ingredient, diphenhydramine, typically stays in your system for 24 to 48 hours, but its half-life can vary depending on factors like age, liver function, and dosage. Diphenhydramine exhibits anticholinergic effects, which can lead to side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and severe drowsiness.

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.