How long after taking antihistamines can I breastfeed?

Understanding Antihistamines and Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing allergies while breastfeeding, many mothers are understandably concerned about the safety of medications, particularly antihistamines. The good news is that most antihistamines are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but there are important nuances to consider regarding timing and the type of antihistamine used.
Safety of Antihistamines During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that all antihistamines are generally safe to use while breastfeeding. This is because only minimal amounts of these medications are excreted into breast milk, which means they are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfeeding infants. Non-sedating antihistamines, such as loratadine and cetirizine, are particularly recommended as they are less likely to cause drowsiness in both the mother and the baby.
For sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (commonly known as Benadryl), the situation is slightly different. While they are also deemed safe, it is advisable to time the dosage carefully. Sedating antihistamines can cause drowsiness, and their effects may linger. Therefore, if a mother takes a sedating antihistamine, it is often recommended to wait at least 4 to 6 hours before breastfeeding again. This waiting period helps to minimize the amount of the drug that could potentially be passed to the infant through breast milk.
Practical Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Mothers should also consider their own health and the severity of their allergy symptoms when deciding to take antihistamines. If symptoms are severe, the benefits of taking the medication may outweigh the risks. However, for milder symptoms, non-sedating options are preferable.
Additionally, it’s important for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their infants for any unusual reactions after taking antihistamines. While serious side effects are rare, being vigilant can help ensure the well-being of both mother and child.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely use antihistamines, with non-sedating varieties being the best choice. For sedating antihistamines, a waiting period of 4 to 6 hours post-ingestion is advisable before breastfeeding to reduce any potential risks to the infant. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is recommended, especially when managing allergies during breastfeeding.

What are the safest antihistamines during pregnancy?

Safety of antihistamines during pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) have recommended chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine as the antihistamines of choice for pregnant women.

How long after taking drugs can I breastfeed?

A breastfeeding plan
If you do use drugs such as amphetamines or heroin as a one-off, you will need to express your breast milk in the 24 hours afterwards and throw it away before you breastfeed again.

Can I breastfeed after taking antihistamine?

There are relatively fewer data on the nonsedating second-generation antihistamines; however, published studies are reassuring. All antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in the breast milk and would not cause any adverse effects on a breastfeeding infant.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec, although generally safe, is not recommended during breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Possible side effects on the baby include irritation or lethargy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

What is the safest allergy medicine to take 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)

How long does it take to get antihistamines out of 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.

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.

Which antihistamine is considered safe for a woman who plans to breastfeed?

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.

How long does it take for antihistamines to absorb?

Official answer. In general, an oral antihistamine tablet will start to work within 30 minutes and reach its maximum effect in about 2 hours. You will know when an antihistamine starts to work when it starts to relieve allergy symptoms, such as congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes or skin rash.

Can I breastfeed 5 hours after taking Benadryl?

You should avoid taking Benadryl while breastfeeding as it can cause drowsiness and lack of coordination to the parent, which could pose a danger to the baby. Moreover, as with all medications, Benadryl can get into breast milk and be passed along to the baby and cause colic-type symptoms, irritability, and drowsiness.