What allergy medication can you take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Allergy Medications While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of allergy medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. The primary concern is ensuring that any medication taken does not adversely affect the infant through breast milk. Fortunately, there are several options that are considered safe for nursing mothers.
Safe Antihistamines
Non-sedating antihistamines are generally the preferred choice for breastfeeding mothers. Medications such as loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec) have been studied and are regarded as compatible with breastfeeding. Research indicates that the amount of these medications that passes into breast milk is minimal, making them unlikely to cause adverse effects in nursing infants .
For instance, loratadine has been specifically noted for its safety profile, with studies showing that it poses little risk to breastfeeding infants when taken at standard therapeutic doses. Similarly, fexofenadine and desloratadine are also considered safe, allowing mothers to manage their allergy symptoms without significant concern for their baby’s health.
Nasal Decongestants
For those dealing with nasal congestion, oxymetazoline (found in products like Afrin) is a nasal spray that can be safely used while breastfeeding. This is because it is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream when used nasally, thus minimizing any potential impact on milk supply.
Alternative Options
In addition to traditional antihistamines, there are other products designed to block allergens from entering the nasal passages, such as Prevalin allergy and NasalGuard Allergie Block. These products do not pass into breast milk and can be effective in preventing allergic reactions.
Saline Solutions
Another safe and effective option for managing allergy symptoms is the use of nasal saline sprays. These can help alleviate nasal congestion and are completely safe for breastfeeding mothers. Saline solutions can be easily made at home or purchased at pharmacies.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers have several safe options for managing allergies. Non-sedating antihistamines like loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine are effective and pose minimal risk to infants. Nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline and saline solutions also provide relief without compromising breastfeeding safety. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it aligns with their specific health needs and circumstances.

What allergies can breastfed babies have?

Common problem foods which may be eaten by a baby or a breastfeeding mother include:

• Milk and other dairy products such as butter, yoghurt, cheese, whey, casein, caseinate, lactose.
• Egg.
• Peanut.
• Soy.
• Wheat.
• Fish.
• Sesame seeds (in tahini and hummus)
• Lupin/lentils (including chickpeas which are in hummus)

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.

Can I take Texa allergy while breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not use TEXA ALLERGY TABLETS if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or you are breastfeeding your baby (see Do not take TEXA ALLERGY TABLETS). If you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby, please consult your healthcare provider for advice before taking TEXA ALLERGY TABLETS.

Can I take Zyrtec while pregnant?

Most nasal steroid sprays, such as Rhinocort (budesonide), and oral antihistamines, such as Zyrtec (cetirizine), are both safe and effective. During pregnancy, you should avoid Nasacort (triamcinolone) and nasal decongestants, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine).

What allergy medicine can I take 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.

Will Claritin dry up breast milk?

Is It Safe to Take Claritin While Breastfeeding? While regular Claritin is completely fine, taking Claritin-D while breastfeeding may reduce milk supply. Claritin-D contains both loratadine, an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine sulfate, a nasal decongestant,2 which may reduce milk supply, says Silverman.

Can I breastfeed if I took 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.

What is the safest allergy medicine to take while pregnant?

Safe OTC medications:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
• Loratidine (Claritin®)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)
• Nasal steroid (Flonase®)
• Guaifenesin (plain Mucinex®)
• Mentholated cream (Vicks Vapor Rub®)
• Afrin® may be used, but only for a short time (three days or less)

Is Claritin or Zyrtec better 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).