What antihistamine is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antihistamines and Breastfeeding Safety
When it comes to managing allergies or cold symptoms while breastfeeding, the choice of antihistamine is crucial for the health of both mother and baby. The prevailing medical advice emphasizes the use of non-sedating antihistamines as the safest option during lactation.
Non-Sedating Antihistamines: The Preferred Choice
Non-sedating antihistamines, such as cetirizine (commonly known as Zyrtec) and loratadine (often referred to as Claritin), are recommended for breastfeeding mothers. These medications are favored because they have been shown to have minimal effects on breast milk and are less likely to cause sedation in both the mother and the infant. The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology supports this recommendation, highlighting the extensive experience with these drugs in breastfeeding contexts, despite limited published studies.
The Risks of Sedating Antihistamines
In contrast, first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Atarax) are known for their sedative effects. These medications can cross into breast milk and may lead to increased drowsiness in infants. While they are considered safe for short-term use, their sedative properties raise concerns about potential impacts on a breastfeeding baby.
Key Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
When selecting an antihistamine, breastfeeding mothers should consider the following:
– Duration of Use: If antihistamines are needed for a short period, first-generation options may be acceptable, but non-sedating alternatives are still preferred.
– Infant’s Age and Health: Newborns and preterm infants may be more sensitive to medications, making non-sedating options even more critical.
– Consultation with Healthcare Providers: It is always advisable for mothers to discuss their specific health needs with a healthcare professional, who can provide personalized recommendations based on the latest research and guidelines.
Conclusion
In summary, cetirizine and loratadine stand out as the safest antihistamines for breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to manage allergy symptoms without compromising their baby’s well-being. As always, individual circumstances may vary, so consulting with a healthcare provider remains essential for making informed decisions about medication use during breastfeeding.

Which antihistamine doesn t reduce milk supply?

Antihistamines are the medication of choice for these symptoms and are considered safe for your baby and your milk supply. 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.

What is the safest antihistamine for babies?

Oral antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Allegra (fexofenadine) are available OTC in kid-friendly formulations. These meds help with sneezing, itching, eye irritation, and runny nose. In addition, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an OTC antihistamine that is safe for children to take.

Which antihistamine is considered safe for a woman who plans to breast feed?

The preferred choice of sedating antihistamine is chlorphenamine due to extensive experience of safe use. Hydroxyzine or promethazine can be used when breastfeeding with caution and close monitoring, if chlorphenamine is not suitable.

Can Benadryl dry up milk supply?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

Will Zyrtec dry up my milk supply?

High doses of sedating antihistamines have been reported by mothers to decrease milk production, but there is no scientific proof this occurs.

What antihistamines can you take while breastfeeding?

There are relatively fewer data on the nonsedating second-generation antihistamines; however, published studies are reassuring. 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.

Why is Benadryl not safe for breastfeeding?

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.

Is Zyrtec or Claritin better for babies?

In order of preference, I recommend: Zyrtec (cetirizine) – Zyrtec can be given to children as young as 6-months and has a quick onset of action (1 hour). It’s more likely to cause drowsiness than Claritin, but more effective than Allegra. Xyzal has the same active ingredient as Zyrtec, save your money.

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.

Which antihistamine is considered safe for a woman who plans to breastfeed?

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)