What can I take instead of Benadryl while breastfeeding?

Alternatives to Benadryl While Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing allergies or cold symptoms during breastfeeding, many mothers may wonder about the safety of medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine). While occasional use of Benadryl is generally considered safe, regular or high doses can pose risks, including potential side effects for the infant and a decrease in milk supply. Therefore, exploring alternatives is a prudent approach.
Understanding Benadryl and Its Effects
Benadryl is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness, which is why it is often used for allergy relief. However, its sedative effects can be concerning for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that while small, occasional doses may not significantly affect breastfed infants, prolonged use or larger doses could lead to adverse effects. Additionally, the sedative properties of Benadryl can interfere with a mother’s ability to care for her baby, making it less than ideal for regular use.
Recommended Alternatives
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Benadryl that are considered safer for breastfeeding mothers:
1. Non-Sedating Antihistamines: Medications such as loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra) are preferred options. These antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness and have minimal transfer into breast milk, making them safer for nursing mothers.
2. Cetirizine: Another option is cetirizine (Zyrtec), which is also a non-sedating antihistamine. It is known to reach low levels in breast milk and is recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
3. Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays: For those suffering from nasal allergies, corticosteroid nasal sprays like Flonase or Nasacort are effective and safe during breastfeeding. These sprays target nasal inflammation directly and have minimal systemic absorption.
4. Mast Cell Stabilizers: Cromolyn sodium nasal spray (Nasalcrom) is another safe option that works by preventing the release of histamine from mast cells, thus alleviating allergy symptoms without the sedative effects associated with traditional antihistamines.
5. Pain Relief: If symptoms include pain or inflammation, ibuprofen (Motrin) is a safe choice for breastfeeding mothers. It is processed quickly by the body and does not linger in breast milk.
Conclusion
While Benadryl can be used occasionally during breastfeeding, it is advisable to consider safer alternatives that minimize risks to both mother and child. Non-sedating antihistamines like loratadine and fexofenadine, along with corticosteroid nasal sprays, provide effective relief without the potential side effects associated with Benadryl. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and breastfeeding goals.

What can I take for an allergy 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 can I take Benadryl while 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 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 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.

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.

How long until Benadryl is out of breast milk?

Also ask how long the medicine will be in your breast milk, so you can plan for future feedings or pumping. Hux says that 50 milligrams of Benadryl, which is usually the dose taken for an allergic reaction, is going to stay in your system for about eight hours or even a little longer.

What medicine can you take to dry up breast milk?

Drugs such as cabergoline and bromocriptine reduce prolactin levels , helping dry up breast milk supply. These drugs work well at lowering milk supply shortly after delivery, but research has not yet assessed how well these drugs work later in lactation, such as when weaning a toddler.

What is the best natural antihistamine?

Top 8 natural antihistamines for allergies

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

How do I dry up breast milk asap?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

1. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
2. Put cold packs on your breasts.
3. Use cold cabbage leaves (wash fresh cabbage and refrigerate; pull off one leaf at a time and lay them over your breasts; keep the leaves on your skin until they get soft).

What is the safest allergy medicine to take 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)