What antihistamines will dry up breast milk?

Understanding Antihistamines and Their Impact on Breast Milk Production
When it comes to managing allergies or cold symptoms, many new mothers may wonder about the safety and effects of antihistamines on breastfeeding. While some antihistamines are considered safe for breastfeeding, others can potentially affect breast milk production.
Antihistamines That May Dry Up Breast Milk
Diphenhydramine, commonly known as Benadryl, is one of the antihistamines that can lead to a decrease in breast milk supply. This sedating antihistamine is often used for its effectiveness in treating allergies and insomnia. However, it has anticholinergic properties, which can inhibit milk production by affecting the hormonal balance necessary for lactation.
Another antihistamine that may have a similar effect is chlorpheniramine, which is also sedating and can lead to reduced milk supply due to its anticholinergic effects. These medications work by blocking histamine receptors, but they can also interfere with the signals that promote milk production.
Safer Alternatives
On the other hand, non-sedating antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. These medications have minimal impact on breast milk supply and are less likely to cause sedation in both the mother and the infant . They are often recommended for managing allergies without the risk of drying up breast milk.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
For mothers who need to take antihistamines, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to choose the safest option. If a sedating antihistamine is necessary, it may be advisable to take it immediately after breastfeeding to minimize the infant’s exposure. Additionally, monitoring milk supply and infant behavior can help in assessing the impact of any medication taken.
In summary, while some antihistamines like diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine can potentially dry up breast milk, safer alternatives exist that allow mothers to manage their allergy symptoms without compromising their breastfeeding journey. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication while breastfeeding to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy and safe.

How do I get rid of breast milk ASAP?

One of the main things a person can do to dry up breast milk is avoid nursing or pumping. The supply of breast milk increases with demand. Avoiding nursing or pumping, even if a person feels uncomfortable, tells the body to produce less milk.

What antihistamine is safe for breastfeeding?

Recommendation. 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.

What medication is used to dry up breast milk?

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 medication is used to dry up milk supply?

The medication is called cabergoline (Dostinex®). This fact sheet only relates to preventing breast engorgement before breast feeding has started. Stopping breast feeding after it has begun often needs a different approach – if you are in that situation, then you should talk to your midwife or doctor.

What dries up breast milk fast?

Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

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 antihistamine won’t dry up breast milk?

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.

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.

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.

Does Benadryl dry up breast milk?

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.