Is it safe to use Flonase when breastfeeding?

Understanding Flonase and Breastfeeding Safety
Flonase, a nasal spray containing the active ingredient fluticasone, is commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether it is safe to use Flonase is crucial, especially when considering the health of both the mother and the infant.
Safety Profile of Flonase During Breastfeeding
According to expert opinions and available research, Flonase is generally considered safe for use while breastfeeding. The amounts of fluticasone that may enter breast milk are believed to be minimal and unlikely to affect a nursing infant. Specifically, inhaled and nasal corticosteroids, including Flonase, are thought to have negligible systemic absorption, meaning that only a very small amount would potentially reach the breast milk.
The Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) notes that while topical fluticasone has not been extensively studied in breastfeeding contexts, the risk of significant systemic effects from short-term use is low. This suggests that occasional use of Flonase is unlikely to pose a risk to breastfed infants.
Expert Recommendations
Health organizations, including the NHS, provide guidance indicating that both inhaled and nasal corticosteroids are acceptable for breastfeeding mothers. They emphasize the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, including Flonase, to ensure it aligns with individual health needs.
Potential Concerns
While the consensus leans towards safety, some mothers express concerns about potential side effects, such as a decrease in milk supply. Anecdotal reports from forums indicate mixed experiences, with some mothers reporting no issues while others worry about their supply. However, these concerns are not widely supported by clinical evidence.
Conclusion
In summary, Flonase is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal risk to infants. However, as with any medication, it is advisable for mothers to consult their healthcare providers to discuss their specific circumstances and any potential risks. This ensures that both the mother’s health and the well-being of the infant are prioritized.

Can breastfeeding moms take Flonase?

It’s usually OK to use your fluticasone nasal spray or drops as normal while you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known how much fluticasone gets into breast milk, but it’s likely to be a tiny amount. Your baby will not absorb a lot of fluticasone into their body from the breast milk.

Is nasal steroid spray safe while breastfeeding?

only tiny amounts are likely to be in breast milk when used as a nasal spray. It’s very unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

What nasal sprays are safe while breastfeeding?

Corticosteroid nasal sprays containing beclomethasone and budesonide are considered safe to use during breastfeeding. Decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline or tramazoline may be used if corticosteroid and antihistamine nasal sprays have not relieved the symptoms.

Will Flonase dry up my milk supply?

Most allergy medication are considered safe for use while breastfeeding and will not impact your milk supply.

Is Flonase safe while nursing?

It’s usually OK to use your fluticasone nasal spray or drops as normal while you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known how much fluticasone gets into breast milk, but it’s likely to be a tiny amount.

What is safe to take for nasal congestion while breastfeeding?

Safe decongestants for breastfeeding moms
Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

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.

Will Flonase dry up breast milk?

Flonase and Nasacort are nasal sprays that can help with sinus pressure and congestion. They are considered safe for breastmilk and babies but may take days or weeks to work. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe for babies and milk supply and may help mild to moderate pain or headaches.

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)

What is the best decongestant to stop breastfeeding?

Take Sudafed.
Pseudoephedrine, or Sudafed, is a common over-the-counter decongestant. Research shows the Sudafed causes a noticeable decrease in milk production. Like birth control, Sudafed should only be used to suppress lactation under the supervision of a doctor.