Does doxylamine pass through breast milk?

Understanding Doxylamine and Its Transfer Through Breast Milk
Doxylamine, a first-generation antihistamine commonly used for its sedative properties, raises important questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. As many medications can pass into breast milk, understanding the implications of doxylamine use during lactation is crucial for nursing mothers.
Does Doxylamine Pass into Breast Milk?
Research indicates that doxylamine does indeed pass into breast milk, although the extent of this transfer is not precisely quantified. While specific studies detailing the concentration of doxylamine in breast milk are lacking, it is generally accepted that small, occasional doses are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, caution is advised, particularly with larger doses or prolonged use, as these could potentially lead to drowsiness in infants or even affect the mother’s milk supply.
Potential Effects on Infants
The potential effects of doxylamine on breastfeeding infants are a significant concern. While small doses may be safe, larger amounts could result in noticeable sedation in the child. Symptoms such as drowsiness or poor feeding should prompt immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. This is particularly relevant for mothers considering over-the-counter medications like NyQuil, which contains doxylamine, as the cumulative effects of multiple ingredients can complicate safety assessments.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Given the uncertainties surrounding the exact amount of doxylamine that enters breast milk, healthcare professionals often recommend that breastfeeding mothers consult with their doctors before taking any medication containing doxylamine. This is especially important for those who may be considering its use for sleep aid or allergy relief. The general consensus is that while occasional use may be acceptable, it is prudent to err on the side of caution and seek professional guidance.
In summary, while doxylamine does pass into breast milk, small doses are typically considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, larger doses or prolonged use could pose risks to infants, making it essential for nursing mothers to discuss any medication use with their healthcare providers.

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).

Is doxylamine safe while breastfeeding?

Antihistamines that can make people drowsy, such as doxylamine succinate, could cause drowsiness or irritability in a breastfeeding infant. Be cautious if you are breastfeeding a premature or newborn baby, or a baby who has breathing problems, or if your breastmilk supply has not been well established.

Is it safe to take doxylamine succinate every night during pregnancy?

In fact, doxylamine is probably the safest option when it comes to sleep medications during pregnancy, says Layan Alrahmani, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, and member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board.

What causes drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

What is the best sleep aid for breastfeeding moms?

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.

Does doxycycline pass through breast milk?

Doxycycline passes into breast milk in fairly small amounts. However, the calcium in your milk sticks to the doxycycline so the baby cannot absorb very much. When used for a short time, doxycycline is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby.

Can I take 25mg of Benadryl while breastfeeding?

Taking Benadryl occasionally during breastfeeding is safe. However, taking Benadryl regularly or in large doses may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. It may also reduce your milk supply. Antihistamines that cause less sleepiness are usually preferred over oral Benadryl while breastfeeding.

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.

What happens if you accidentally take doxycycline with milk?

Dairy products contain calcium, which can interact with doxycycline. When these two substances come into contact, it triggers a chemical reaction that can reduce the amount of doxycycline that’s absorbed by your body. This may make doxycycline less effective.

Can a Z pack decrease milk supply?

Pseudoephedrine: Look out for this ingredient in your cold medicine. It can cause a drop in milk production. Zithromax: Also known as azithromycin, this antibiotic is generally considered safe to take while breastfeeding.