What allergy medicine can be taken while breastfeeding?

Understanding Allergy Medications While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of allergy medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. With concerns about the safety of various drugs for both the mother and the nursing infant, it’s crucial to understand which options are considered safe and effective.
Safe Allergy Medications
Research indicates that certain antihistamines are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. Loratadine (Claritin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), and Fexofenadine (Allegra) are among the medications that have been studied and are deemed compatible with breastfeeding. These medications are classified as second-generation antihistamines, which are less likely to cause sedation and have minimal transfer into breast milk.
Loratadine, in particular, has been extensively studied, and the amount that passes into breast milk is considered negligible, making it unlikely to cause adverse effects in nursing infants. Similarly, Cetirizine and Fexofenadine are also regarded as safe options, allowing mothers to manage their allergy symptoms without significant risk to their babies.
Medications to Avoid
Conversely, some allergy medications should be avoided during breastfeeding. First-generation antihistamines, such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Chlorpheniramine, and Brompheniramine, are known to cause sedation and may lead to increased drowsiness in both the mother and the infant. Additionally, medications containing decongestants, like Pseudoephedrine, can potentially reduce milk supply and should be approached with caution.
Consultation is Key
While many of these medications are considered safe, it is always advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication. This ensures that the chosen treatment aligns with their specific health needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers dealing with allergies have several safe options available, primarily second-generation antihistamines like Loratadine, Cetirizine, and Fexofenadine. However, caution is warranted with first-generation antihistamines and decongestants. Always prioritize a discussion with a healthcare professional to ensure the best choices for both mother and child.

What allergy medicine can you take while breastfeeding?

All antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in the breast milk and would not cause any adverse effects on a breastfeeding infant.

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.

What can I take for allergies 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 not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

Which antihistamine is safe in breastfeeding?

Loratadine or cetirizine are usually OK to take while breastfeeding. Always check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it’s safe for you before taking it or giving it to your child.

Should I take Claritin or zyrtec 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. Antihistamines such as Zatador are available as eye drops, which help itchy, watery eyes.

What is the best allergy medicine for nursing mom?

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).

Can I breastfeed if I have seasonal allergies?

Yes. A parent can still breastfeed/chestfeed when suffering from seasonal allergies. You may not be feeling well because you are sneezing and your eyes are puffy, but it is still safe to breastfeed/chestfeed. However, prescription or over-the-counter allergy medication may affect your milk production.

Will Claritin dry up my 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 medications should be avoided while 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.