Does Zyrtec affect breast milk supply?

Understanding Zyrtec and Its Impact on Breast Milk Supply
Zyrtec, the brand name for cetirizine, is a popular antihistamine used to alleviate allergy symptoms. For breastfeeding mothers, concerns often arise regarding the safety of medications and their potential effects on breast milk supply.
Cetirizine and Breastfeeding
Research indicates that cetirizine is generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding. It is known to pass into breast milk in small amounts, but most studies suggest that it does not pose significant risks to infants exposed to it through breast milk. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) supports this view, noting that occasional doses of cetirizine are acceptable for nursing mothers.
Effects on Milk Supply
While cetirizine is largely deemed safe, there are nuances to its impact on breast milk production. Some evidence suggests that larger doses or prolonged use of cetirizine may lead to decreased milk supply, particularly when combined with other medications like pseudoephedrine, which is a sympathomimetic agent. This is an important consideration for mothers who may be taking multiple medications simultaneously.
Conversely, anecdotal reports from breastfeeding mothers indicate that many do not experience a decrease in milk supply even when taking higher doses of Zyrtec. For instance, one mother reported taking Zyrtec four times a day without any noticeable impact on her milk production. This variability suggests that individual responses to the medication can differ significantly.
Conclusion
In summary, while cetirizine is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers and is unlikely to cause significant issues for most infants, there is a potential risk of reduced milk supply with higher doses or prolonged use. Mothers should consult healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks of using Zyrtec, especially if they are concerned about maintaining their milk supply. As always, monitoring one’s own body and the baby’s response is crucial when introducing any medication during breastfeeding.

What pills stop milk production?

Taking drugs such as Cabergoline or Dostinex® to stop breast milk works best for mothers who have not been breastfeeding for long. Talk to your doctor, midwife or nurse if you would like more information about these drugs.

What medications dry up the breast milk supply?

Epinephrine. Labetolol. High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol) Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

What causes breast milk to dry up?

Possible causes of low supply
Nearly all babies need to feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby does not feed effectively at the breast. You have started using formula milk as well as breastfeeding. You have had breast surgery that is affecting your milk supply.

What happens if I take cetirizine while breastfeeding?

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take cetirizine while breastfeeding. There is some information available which shows that only very small amounts get into breast milk. Cetirizine has been used for many years while breastfeeding without side effects in babies.

What cold medicine won’t affect my milk supply?

Dextromethorphan. This cold medicine is considered safe for breastfeeding moms and babies. Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

Will allergy medicine affect my milk supply?

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.

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.

What allergy medicine doesn’t affect milk supply?

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)

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

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.