What can breastfeeding moms take for hayfever?

Understanding Hayfever Treatment for Breastfeeding Moms
For breastfeeding mothers, managing hayfever can be a delicate balance between alleviating symptoms and ensuring the safety of their infant. Hayfever, or allergic rhinitis, can cause discomfort through symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Fortunately, there are several options available that are considered safe for breastfeeding moms.
Safe Medications for Hayfever
Nasal Sprays and Eye Drops: According to medical professionals, nasal sprays and eye drops are often recommended as first-line treatments for hayfever symptoms. These topical treatments work locally, minimizing systemic absorption and reducing potential effects on breast milk. Steroid nasal sprays, such as Beclometasone (Beconase®) and Fluticasone (Flixonase®), are commonly used and deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Antihistamines: When it comes to oral antihistamines, options like loratadine and cetirizine are generally considered safe during breastfeeding. These medications are less likely to cause sedation in both the mother and the infant compared to older antihistamines, making them a preferred choice for managing allergy symptoms.
Considerations and Precautions
While many medications are deemed safe, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new treatment. Individual health conditions and the specific needs of the infant can influence the best course of action. Additionally, while some over-the-counter medications may be labeled as safe, it is essential to read labels carefully and avoid those that explicitly state they are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
Non-Medication Approaches
In addition to pharmacological treatments, breastfeeding moms can also explore non-medication strategies to alleviate hayfever symptoms. These may include:
– Avoiding Allergens: Staying indoors during high pollen counts and using air purifiers can help reduce exposure to allergens.
– Saline Nasal Rinses: Using saline solutions can help clear nasal passages and reduce congestion without the use of medication.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding mothers experiencing hayfever have several safe options to manage their symptoms effectively. By prioritizing treatments like nasal sprays and certain antihistamines, and by consulting healthcare professionals, they can find relief while ensuring the safety of their breastfeeding journey. As always, staying informed and cautious is key to navigating health challenges during this important time.

Will Zyrtec dry up my 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 can I take for hayfever when pregnant?

Cetirizine and loratadine are considered first choice oral antihistamines in pregnancy. Levocetirizine is an isomer of cetirizine and desloratadine is the active metabolite of loratadine. Both may also be considered.

How to cure hay fever permanently naturally?

There’s currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it. But you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.

What can I take for seasonal allergies 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).

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.

What can I take for hayfever when breastfeeding?

Loratadine or cetirizine are usually OK to take while breastfeeding. Always check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it’s safe for you before taking it or giving it to your child.

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.

What cold medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

Medicines containing either dextromethorphan or guaifenesin (an “expectorant” that thins mucus) can help quell a cough, and they’re unlikely to impact your breastmilk supply. (Learn ways to improve your breastmilk supply.)

Which antihistamines are safe for 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 is the best natural antihistamine?

Top 8 natural antihistamines for allergies

• Vitamin C.
• Quercetin.
• Ceylon cinnamon.
• Butterbur.
• Probiotics.
• Black pepper extract.
• Berberine.
• Spirulina.