Is meclizine safe during breastfeeding?

Understanding Meclizine and Its Safety During Breastfeeding
Meclizine is an antihistamine commonly used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether it is safe to use this medication is crucial, as it directly impacts both maternal health and infant safety.
Current Research and Recommendations
According to available literature, occasional doses of meclizine are generally considered acceptable during breastfeeding. The consensus among healthcare professionals is that while meclizine does pass into breast milk, the amounts are typically low and unlikely to cause significant adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, caution is advised regarding the dosage and duration of use.
The Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) notes that while occasional use is likely safe, large doses or prolonged use may pose risks. These risks include potential effects on the infant and a possible decrease in milk supply, especially if meclizine is combined with other medications that can affect lactation.
Potential Effects on Infants
While there is limited data on the long-term effects of meclizine on breastfed infants, the existing studies do not indicate a significant risk of adverse outcomes when the medication is used appropriately. The FDA categorizes meclizine as a Pregnancy Category B drug, suggesting that there is no proven risk in humans, which extends to its use during breastfeeding.
However, mothers are encouraged to monitor their infants for any unusual symptoms, particularly if they notice changes in feeding patterns or behavior. Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting meclizine is essential, as they can provide personalized advice based on individual health circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, meclizine can be safely used by breastfeeding mothers in occasional doses, but it is crucial to avoid high doses and prolonged use without medical supervision. As always, the best course of action is to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider to ensure both maternal and infant health are prioritized.

What medications are not compatible with 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.

Why is meclizine a high risk medication?

Meclizine is highly anticholinergic; its clearance reduced with advanced age, and tolerance develops when used as hypnotic. Its use in geriatric patients increases the risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects or toxicities [16].

Is meclizine safe during pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
Benadryl, Dramamine, and Meclizine are H-1 receptor antagonist antihistamines, which are considered safe for use in pregnancy; however, since they may cause excessive drowsiness, they are often used primarily for episodes of breakthrough NVP [7,23].

Can a nursing mom take Dramamine?

Despite it is consider safe to use Dramamine during pregnancy, you should check with your doctor before using Dramamine. Lactation: Small amounts of Dramamine are excreted in breast milk. Dramamine should not be given to breastfeeding mothers unless the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risks.

Can you take meclizine while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding. Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Who should avoid meclizine?

prostate disease. stomach or intestine problems. an unusual or allergic reaction to meclizine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Can you take vertigo medication while breastfeeding?

Long-term use should be avoided in breastfeeding where possible, particularly with very young babies where there is a potential risk of apnoea (breathing problems). However short-term acute use for vertigo and labarynthitis probably poses few risks.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

Is meclizine ok for pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
Benadryl, Dramamine, and Meclizine are H-1 receptor antagonist antihistamines, which are considered safe for use in pregnancy; however, since they may cause excessive drowsiness, they are often used primarily for episodes of breakthrough NVP [7,23].

What motion sickness medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Hyoscine hydrobromide is used in infants over 1 month old and is the preferred medicine for motion sickness during breastfeeding.