Is diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg While Breastfeeding
Diphenhydramine HCL, commonly known as Benadryl, is an antihistamine frequently used to alleviate allergy symptoms, induce sleep, and treat motion sickness. For breastfeeding mothers, the safety of using diphenhydramine, particularly in a 25 mg dosage, raises important considerations.
Transfer to Breast Milk
Research indicates that diphenhydramine does pass into breast milk, albeit in small amounts. This transfer can potentially affect nursing infants. Studies have shown that babies exposed to diphenhydramine through breast milk may exhibit increased sleepiness and irritability. While the amounts transferred are generally low, the sedative effects of the medication can lead to drowsiness in both the mother and the infant.
Risk Assessment
The consensus among health professionals is that diphenhydramine is categorized as a low-risk medication for breastfeeding mothers. However, it is not classified as entirely safe. The key factor is whether the benefits of taking the medication outweigh the potential risks to the infant. If a healthcare provider prescribes diphenhydramine while being aware of the mother’s breastfeeding status, it suggests that the anticipated benefits are deemed to surpass any possible adverse effects.
Recommendations for Use
Healthcare providers typically advise that breastfeeding mothers consult with them before taking diphenhydramine. This is crucial because individual circumstances can vary significantly. For instance, if a mother is experiencing severe allergy symptoms or insomnia, the need for treatment may justify the use of diphenhydramine, provided that she monitors her infant for any unusual behavior.
Conclusion
In summary, while diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg is not considered entirely safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is classified as low risk. The medication can pass into breast milk and may cause drowsiness in infants. Therefore, it is essential for mothers to have an open dialogue with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions that prioritize both their health and the well-being of their child.

Can you take sleep drops while breastfeeding?

No known contraindications. SleepDrops is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is non-addictive, non-drowsy and will not interfere with any medications.

How long does Benadryl last in breast milk?

Also ask how long the medicine will be in your breast milk, so you can plan for future feedings or pumping. Hux says that 50 milligrams of Benadryl, which is usually the dose taken for an allergic reaction, is going to stay in your system for about eight hours or even a little longer.

Is 25 mg of diphenhydramine HCl a lot?

Diphenhydramine HCl comes in 25 mg and 50 mg strengths (Benadryl is a common brand). For adults and teens, the diphenhydramine dosage is 25 to 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours.

What are the side effects of diphenhydramine in nursing?

Diphenhydramine passes into breastmilk in small amounts. This medication can cause sleepiness in adults as well as the nursing baby. Two studies that looked at the use of antihistamines such as diphenhydramine while breastfeeding reported that exposed babies were irritable, sleepier, and/or slept less.

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.

Is diphenhydramine HCl safe while breastfeeding?

Diphenhydramine and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take diphenhydramine while you’re breastfeeding, but it’s better to take occasional doses or only take it for a short time. Diphenhydramine passes into breast milk in very small amounts.

Will Benadryl dry up breast milk?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

What sedation is safe breastfeeding?

Maternal use of sedating drugs during breastfeeding is generally acceptable, provided that the infants are monitored for adverse CNS effects. Mothers should contact their physicians if any adverse events are observed in their infants.

Is diphenhydramine hcl 25 mg safe during pregnancy?

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.

What antihistamines are safe while breastfeeding?

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.