Is cetirizine safe for breastfeeding mom?

Is Cetirizine Safe for Breastfeeding Moms?
Cetirizine, a widely used antihistamine, is often a concern for breastfeeding mothers who need relief from allergy symptoms. The good news is that research indicates cetirizine is generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding, but there are important nuances to consider.
Dosage and Effects on Milk Supply
According to the Drugs and Lactation Database, small occasional doses of cetirizine are acceptable for breastfeeding mothers. However, larger doses or prolonged use may lead to drowsiness in infants or potentially decrease milk supply. This is particularly true if combined with other medications, such as sympathomimetics like pseudoephedrine, or if taken before lactation is well established.
Minimal Transfer to Breast Milk
Studies have shown that cetirizine reaches very low levels in breast milk, estimated at about 1.77% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose. This minimal transfer suggests that the risk of adverse effects in infants is low. In fact, no significant adverse effects have been reported in infants exposed to cetirizine through breast milk.
Recommendations from Health Authorities
Health organizations, including the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, recommend cetirizine as a suitable choice for breastfeeding mothers needing antihistamines. The NHS also supports this view, noting that cetirizine has been used for many years without reported side effects in babies.
Monitoring for Side Effects
While cetirizine is considered safe, it is still advisable for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their infants for any signs of excessive drowsiness, especially with repeated use. If a baby appears unusually sleepy or hard to wake, it may be prudent to consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In summary, cetirizine is a safe option for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when used in small, occasional doses. Its low transfer to breast milk and the lack of reported adverse effects in infants make it a preferred choice over older sedating antihistamines. However, as with any medication, it is essential for mothers to remain vigilant and consult healthcare professionals if they have concerns about their medication use while breastfeeding.

Does cetirizine have side effects on babies?

Cetirizine has been used for many years while breastfeeding without side effects in babies. If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife.

Why is cetirizine not good for you?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to or had an adverse reaction to cetirizine. Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions or if you have ever had kidney or liver disease. Cetirizine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.

Which antihistamine is safe in breastfeeding?

Loratadine or cetirizine are usually OK to take while breastfeeding. Always check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it’s safe for you before taking it or giving it to your child.

Is cetirizine safe for pregnant?

There is no evidence that pregnant women taking cetirizine have a higher chance of having a baby with a birth defect. However, because fewer than 500 pregnancies where the mother took cetirizine during the first trimester have been studied, further research is required to confirm these findings.

Who cannot take cetirizine?

Children under 6 years: Not recommended. Patients with renal impairment: Patients with moderate renal impairment are recommended to take 5 mg once daily. If you have severe kidney problems (or liver and kidney problems together) please contact your doctor or pharmacist who may adjust the dose accordingly.

Is cetirizine safe in pregnancy?

Cetirizine can be used in pregnancy. There is no good evidence that it causes harm to the baby. However, other antihistamines such as loratadine may be recommended as there is more information about its use in pregnancy.

Is it safe to take cetirizine while breastfeeding?

Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include: 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.

Which allergy medicine is best 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)

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 cold medicine can breastfeeding moms take?

Most cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding, especially if you take them short term and only when you need them. Some of the medications that are safe include: Expectorants that contain guaifenesin (Mucinex®, Robitussin® and others). Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (DayQuil®, Delsym® and others).