Is Benadryl OK when breastfeeding?

Understanding Benadryl Use During Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing allergy symptoms, many nursing mothers may wonder about the safety of using Benadryl, a common antihistamine. The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, which is known for its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and colds. However, its use during breastfeeding raises important considerations.
Safety Profile of Benadryl for Nursing Mothers
Benadryl is generally considered safe for occasional use while breastfeeding. Research indicates that small, infrequent doses of diphenhydramine are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, it is crucial to note that diphenhydramine does pass into breast milk, albeit in small amounts. This transfer can potentially lead to side effects in nursing babies, such as increased drowsiness or irritability.
Experts suggest that while an occasional dose may not pose significant risks, regular or high doses of Benadryl could lead to more pronounced effects on the infant, including decreased milk supply in some cases. Therefore, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to use this medication sparingly and to consider alternative treatments for allergy relief when possible.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
For mothers who are breastfeeding, the consensus among healthcare professionals is that Benadryl should not be the first-line treatment for allergies. Instead, safer alternatives are often recommended, especially for chronic symptoms. If a mother does choose to take Benadryl, it is best to do so when the baby is older than four to six weeks, as this allows for a more stable breastfeeding routine.
In summary, while Benadryl can be used occasionally during breastfeeding, mothers should remain cautious and consult with healthcare providers to explore safer options and ensure the well-being of both themselves and their infants.

Can histamine pass through breastmilk?

Elevated levels of histamine have not been found in breast milk. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the production of the DAO enzyme in most placentas from week 12 of gestation to create a metabolic barrier and prevent excessive entry of histamine into the fetus.

Can I have 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.

Is it safe to take Benadryl while pregnant?

That said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology note that Benadryl and many other antihistamines have been extensively tested and pose little to no danger during pregnancy when used appropriately.

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.

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.

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.

Can Benadryl affect babies?

Serious side effects, such as seizures, are more likely to occur in younger children and could pose greater risk to infants or young children when compared to older children or adults. In general, children are more sensitive than adults to the side effects of antihistamines.

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)

How to get rid of a cold while breastfeeding?

Try the following to help the discomfort of a cold or a sore throat when breastfeeding:

1. Take honey and lemon mixed in hot water, or sip on other warm fluids like natural teas to keep your throat moist.
2. Gargle some salt water.
3. If you have a cough, try a cough medicine that is based on glycerine and honey.

What can I take for an allergy 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).