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What antihistamine wont dry up breast milk?

Understanding Antihistamines and Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing allergies while breastfeeding, many mothers are understandably concerned about the potential impact of medications on their milk supply. Antihistamines, commonly used to alleviate allergy symptoms, can vary significantly in their effects on breast milk production.
Antihistamines That Are Safe for Breastfeeding
Research indicates that certain antihistamines are less likely to affect breast milk supply. Cetirizine (commonly known as Zyrtec) is one such option. It is noted for reaching low levels in breast milk, making it a recommended choice by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. This means that mothers can use cetirizine without significant concern for drying up their milk supply.
Another antihistamine, fexofenadine (marketed as Telfast), also shows low levels of transfer into breast milk and has no reported adverse effects on breastfeeding. These medications are particularly appealing for nursing mothers who need relief from allergy symptoms without compromising their ability to breastfeed.
Caution with Other Antihistamines
While some antihistamines are safe, others can potentially lead to a decrease in milk supply. For instance, diphenhydramine (known as Benadryl) is often cited as a medication that might not significantly affect milk supply if breastfeeding has been established for some time. However, it is generally advised to use it with caution, especially for new mothers.
Recommendations for Use
For breastfeeding mothers, the timing of medication can also play a crucial role in minimizing exposure to the infant. Taking antihistamines immediately after breastfeeding can help reduce the amount of medication that enters the breast milk during the next feeding.
In summary, if you’re a breastfeeding mother looking for antihistamines that won’t dry up your milk supply, cetirizine and fexofenadine are your best bets. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and breastfeeding goals.

What medication is used to stop breast milk drying up?

Lactation suppression
Cabergoline works by stopping your body’s production of prolactin (a hormone that the body releases to help maintain the milk supply). It comes in the form of a tablet that you take by mouth. Most women only need one dose of the medication before their milk supply dries up.

What vitamin dries up breast milk?

PIP: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) is contained in most prenatal and multivitamin preparations. Available research states that pyridoxine blocks lactation and inhibits the secretion of breast milk in nursing mothers by suppressing the normally elevated prolactin hormone levels encountered during puerperium.

Will Zyrtec 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.

What allergy medicine won’t dry up my 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.

Will Claritin D dry up breast milk?

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 decongestant won’t dry up breast milk?

Safe decongestants for breastfeeding moms
Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

What is the safest antihistamine 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 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.

Is there a decongestant that doesn’t dry you out?

Sudafed PE Non-Drying Sinus is a combination medicine used in adults and children to treat allergy symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itching of nose and throat, cough with mucus, sinus pain, and to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, or other allergies.

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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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