Is Benadryl safe during breastfeeding?

Understanding Benadryl Use During Breastfeeding
Benadryl, a common over-the-counter antihistamine containing diphenhydramine, is often used to alleviate symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. However, its safety during breastfeeding is a topic of considerable concern among nursing mothers and healthcare professionals alike.
Safety Profile of Benadryl in Breastfeeding
The consensus among medical sources indicates that occasional use of Benadryl while breastfeeding is generally considered safe. Small, infrequent doses are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. This is primarily because the amount of diphenhydramine that passes into breast milk is minimal. However, caution is advised, particularly with larger doses or prolonged use, asIs Benadryl Safe During Breastfeeding?
The short answer is that occasional, low-dose use of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) during breastfeeding is generally considered safe, but it’s not the ideal choice for long-term or frequent use.
Here’s a more detailed look at the safety of Benadryl while breastfeeding:
Benadryl Can Pass into Breastmilk
Benadryl (the brand name for the active ingredient diphenhydramine) can pass into breastmilk in small amounts. This means that if you take Benadryl, your breastfed baby may ingest a small portion of the medication.
Potential Side Effects in Breastfed Babies
The main concern with Benadryl use during breastfeeding is that it can cause drowsiness, irritability, and decreased feeding in breastfed infants. Larger doses or more prolonged use of Benadryl may have a greater impact on the baby.
Milk Supply Considerations
Some research suggests that Benadryl and other antihistamines may decrease a mother’s milk supply, especially with regular or high-dose use. This is an important factor to consider if you are breastfeeding.
Safer Alternatives to Consider
For chronic allergy symptoms, healthcare providers may recommend trying alternative medications that are considered safer for breastfeeding, such as Claritin (loratadine). Nasal sprays and some decongestants may also be better options.
Occasional, Low-Dose Use May Be Okay
Overall, occasional, low-dose use of Benadryl during breastfeeding is generally considered safe, but it’s not the ideal choice for long-term or frequent use. If you need to take Benadryl, it’s best to wait until your baby is at least 4-6 weeks old to minimize any potential effects.

Does antihistamine dry up breast milk?

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 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).

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.

Can I take Benadryl while pregnant?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a safe allergy medication to take during pregnancy. It belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines. Benadryl can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or weakness. These can raise your risk of falling or accidentally hurting yourself during pregnancy.

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.

Does Benadryl affect the baby while pregnant?

Benadryl is considered to be safe during pregnancy. Doctors and nurses recommend this OTC medication to help relieve allergy symptoms, even while you’re pregnant. Recent studies have found Benadryl to be safe. However, always remember that no medicine — prescription or OTC — is ever 100 percent safe during pregnancy.

Can I breastfeed while taking Benadryl?

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.

Which drug decreases milk supply?

Certain medications can suppress lactation (reduce milk production) in breastfeeding moms. Some of the medications that can decrease milk supply include: Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, and Allegra-D).

What medications should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

Can too much Benadryl hurt a baby?

Because Benadryl is an antihistamine, it can cause serious or even fatal side effects in infants. These side effects include rapid heartbeat and convulsions. If your child has allergies, then you should talk to the pediatrician about the proper medication to use during a reaction.