What allergy medications are safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Allergy Medications While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing allergies while ensuring the safety of their infants. The good news is that several allergy medications are considered safe for use during breastfeeding, allowing mothers to find relief without compromising their baby’s health.
Safe Allergy Medications
Antihistamines are the most commonly recommended allergy medications for breastfeeding mothers. Among these, loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) are particularly noted for their safety profiles. Research indicates that these second-generation antihistamines have minimal transfer into breast milk, making them unlikely to cause adverse effects in nursing infants.
Loratadine, for instance, has been studied extensively, and the amount that passes into breast milk is considered negligible. This means that mothers can take loratadine in standard therapeutic doses without significant risk to their babies. Similarly, cetirizine and fexofenadine are also regarded as compatible with breastfeeding, providing effective relief from allergy symptoms while maintaining safety for the infant.
Considerations and Recommendations
While many allergy medications are deemed safe, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new medication. This ensures that the chosen treatment aligns with their specific health needs and circumstances.
Additionally, non-sedating antihistamines are generally preferred, as they are less likely to cause drowsiness in both the mother and the infant. Mothers should also be cautious with combination medications, such as those containing pseudoephedrine, as these may have different safety profiles.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can find relief from allergies with medications like loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine, which are considered safe for both mother and child. However, it is always best practice to seek medical advice before beginning any treatment to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and her breastfeeding infant.

What can I take for an allergy 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).

What is the most common allergy in a breastfed baby?

Food allergies in babies can cause mild to severe skin reactions, respiratory problems, and intestinal symptoms. Breastfed babies typically develop allergies to the foods that their mother eats. The most common food allergies in babies and children include milk and dairy products, peanuts, and shellfish.

Which works better, Claritin or Zyrtec?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are two popular brands. They contain different compounds but appear to be equally effective. Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes, itchy skin, hives, and swelling.

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.

Which allergy meds decrease milk supply?

Medications that affect breast milk production

• Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine)
• Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine)
• Allegra-D (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine)
• Aleve-D Sinus and Cold (naproxen/pseudoephedrine)

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)

Will Claritin dry up milk supply?

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.

What are the safest antihistamines during pregnancy?

Safety of antihistamines during pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) have recommended chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine as the antihistamines of choice for pregnant women.

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)

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.