What antihistamines are safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antihistamines and Breastfeeding Safety
When it comes to managing allergies or cold symptoms while breastfeeding, many mothers are understandably concerned about the safety of medications for both themselves and their infants. Antihistamines, commonly used to alleviate allergy symptoms, can vary significantly in their safety profiles during lactation.
Preferred Choices: Non-Sedating Antihistamines
Non-sedating antihistamines are generally recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Medications such as cetirizine (commonly known as Zyrtec) and loratadine (known as Claritin) are considered the safest options. These antihistamines have been extensively studied and are supported by organizations like the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, which highlights their compatibility with breastfeeding .
The rationale behind this preference lies in the pharmacological properties of these medications. Non-sedating antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness in both the mother and the infant, making them a safer choice for nursing mothers who need to remain alert and attentive to their baby’s needs.
Sedating Antihistamines: Use with Caution
While first-generation sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), are often considered safe for use during pregnancy, their use during breastfeeding is more controversial. These medications can pass into breast milk and may cause sedation in infants, which raises concerns about their overall safety. Therefore, while some mothers may find relief with these older medications, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Research and Recommendations
Although there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence supporting the use of non-sedating antihistamines, published research specifically addressing their safety during breastfeeding is somewhat limited. However, the existing studies indicate that the amounts of these medications that transfer into breast milk are minimal and unlikely to affect the nursing infant adversely.
Healthcare professionals often recommend that breastfeeding mothers opt for non-sedating antihistamines as a first line of defense against allergy symptoms. If a mother feels that she needs to use a sedating antihistamine, it is crucial to discuss this with a healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers seeking relief from allergies should prioritize non-sedating antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine. These medications are not only effective but also carry a lower risk of sedation for both mother and baby. As always, it is essential for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to ensure that any medication they take is safe for their specific circumstances.

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.

Will 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.

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.

Can you 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 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)

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

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 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.

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 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.