What can a breastfeeding mom take for allergies?

Understanding Allergy Relief for Breastfeeding Moms
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful yet challenging experience, especially for mothers who suffer from allergies. The good news is that there are safe options available for managing allergy symptoms while nursing.
Safe Allergy Medications
When it comes to treating allergies, many breastfeeding mothers may wonder which medications are safe to use. According to recent guidance, several antihistamines are generally considered safe during breastfeeding. These include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra). These medications are classified as second-generation antihistamines, which are less likely to cause sedation and have minimal effects on breast milk production.
However, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication. This ensures that the chosen treatment is appropriate for both the mother and her baby, taking into account any specific health concerns or conditions.
Medications to Avoid
While there are safe options, some medications should be avoided. First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine, can cause sedation and may affect milk supply. Additionally, medications containing decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, are also best avoided as they can lead to decreased milk production.
Non-Medication Strategies
In addition to medications, breastfeeding mothers can explore non-pharmacological strategies to alleviate allergy symptoms. For instance, nasal corticosteroid sprays such as Flonase and Nasacort are effective and safe options for managing nasal congestion and other allergy symptoms. Another alternative is cromolyn sodium nasal spray, which acts as a mast cell stabilizer and can help prevent allergic reactions.
Dietary Considerations
Mothers should also be mindful of their diet, as certain foods can potentially trigger allergies in their infants. If a breastfeeding mother has been informed that her baby has food allergies, it may be advisable to avoid those specific foods. This is particularly important if there is a family history of allergies, as babies are more likely to develop allergies under such circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers do not have to suffer through allergy symptoms. With the right approach, including safe medications and dietary considerations, they can find relief while ensuring the health and safety of their infants. Always remember to consult with a healthcare provider to tailor the best plan for managing allergies during this important time.

Does Benadryl dry 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 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.

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.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec, although generally safe, is not recommended during breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Possible side effects on the baby include irritation or lethargy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

What is the best nasal spray for allergies while breastfeeding?

Corticosteroid nasal sprays containing beclomethasone and budesonide are considered safe to use during breastfeeding. Decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline or tramazoline may be used if corticosteroid and antihistamine nasal sprays have not relieved the symptoms.

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)

Will Claritin dry up my breast milk?

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.

Is Flonase safe while breastfeeding?

It’s usually OK to use your fluticasone nasal spray or drops as normal while you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known how much fluticasone gets into breast milk, but it’s likely to be a tiny amount.

Is Claritin better than Zyrtec while breastfeeding?

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).

What is the safest antihistamine while breastfeeding?

Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include: 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.