Is Allegra nursing safe?

Understanding the Safety of Allegra During Nursing
When it comes to medication and nursing mothers, safety is always a primary concern. Allegra, known generically as fexofenadine, is an antihistamine commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. However, the question of its safety during nursing requires a closer examination.
Medication Overview
Fexofenadine is classified as a second-generation antihistamine, which means it is less likely to cause sedation compared to first-generation antihistamines. This is primarily because of its limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This characteristic is crucial for nursing mothers, as it suggests a lower risk of affecting the infant’s central nervous system.
Safety During Lactation
According to available research and resources, fexofenadine is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics categorizes fexofenadine as a medication that is usually compatible with breastfeeding. Studies indicate that fexofenadine is excreted in breast milk in very small amounts, and the concentrations are significantly lower than the doses prescribed to infants for allergic conditions.
Research Insights
A study published in the journal *Clinical Pharmacokinetics* found that the amount of fexofenadine transferred to breast milk is minimal, suggesting that it is unlikely to have any detrimental effects on a nursing infant. Additionally, the World Health Organization has also indicated that fexofenadine can be used by nursing mothers, reinforcing its safety profile.
Considerations for Nursing Mothers
While fexofenadine is generally considered safe, nursing mothers should still exercise caution. Here are a few important considerations:
– Consult with Healthcare Providers: Before starting any new medication, including fexofenadine, it is essential for nursing mothers to consult their healthcare provider. Individual health conditions and other medications can impact safety.

– Monitor for Side Effects: Mothers should be vigilant for any unusual reactions in their infants, such as increased drowsiness or irritability, which could indicate sensitivity to the medication.
– Timing of Doses: Taking the medication just before feeding can help minimize any potential exposure to the infant, although the risk is already low.
Conclusion
In summary, Allegra (fexofenadine) is considered safe for nursing mothers and poses minimal risk to breastfeeding infants. However, it is always advisable for mothers to have open discussions with their healthcare providers about any medications they are taking. By staying informed and cautious, nursing mothers can effectively manage their allergy symptoms while ensuring the well-being of their infants.

Can I take Allevia if breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding while taking fexofenadine:
Fexofenadine gets into breastmilk in small amounts. This amount is likely too low to cause problems for the baby. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

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)

Can breastfeeding moms take Allegra?

Nasal Drainage and Itchy Eyes
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).

Who should avoid Allegra?

Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.

Are Allegra and Allevia the same?

Fexofenadine, sometimes called Allevia, Telfast or Allegra is a strong non-drowsy antihistamine prescribed by health professionals for relief from stubborn symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever) not responding to more conventional antihistamines like Cetirizine or Loratadine.

Why can’t you take antihistamines while breastfeeding?

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 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 is the most common allergy in a breastfed baby?

Food allergies in babies can cause mild to severe skin reactions, respiratory problems, and intestinal symptoms. Breastfed babies typically develop allergies to the foods that their mother eats. The most common food allergies in babies and children include milk and dairy products, peanuts, and shellfish.

Is Allegra safe during pregnancy?

Some oral antihistamines like Allegra (fexofenadine), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine), Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) appear to be safe after the first trimester. That means they have caused no known harm in studies so far.

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.