What is safe to take for an allergic reaction while breastfeeding?

Understanding Allergic Reactions While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing allergies while ensuring the safety and health of their infants. The concern primarily revolves around what medications are safe to take during this period, especially when allergic reactions occur.
Safe Medications for Allergic Reactions
When it comes to treating allergies while breastfeeding, antihistamines are generally considered safe. Cetirizine (commonly known as Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are the most recommended options. These medications have been studied more extensively and are known to have minimal effects on breastfed infants. Other antihistamines, such as Allegra and Xyzal, are also deemed safe, although they lack the same level of research backing.
It’s important to note that while antihistamines can alleviate allergy symptoms, they may cause drowsiness in some cases. Therefore, mothers should monitor their own reactions to these medications and how they might affect their baby.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
Before taking any medication, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with a healthcare provider. This ensures that the chosen treatment aligns with both the mother’s health needs and the safety of the infant. Healthcare professionals can provide personalized advice based on the specific circumstances of the mother and baby.
Non-Medication Alternatives
For mild allergy symptoms, non-pharmaceutical options can also be effective. Saline nasal sprays or eye drops can help alleviate stuffiness or irritation without the risks associated with medications. These alternatives are particularly useful for mothers who prefer to avoid medications altogether.
Dietary Considerations
Mothers may also worry about their diet and its impact on their breastfeeding infant. While some infants may experience digestive intolerance to certain food proteins in breast milk, this is relatively rare, affecting about 2% to 3% of babies. Generally, breastfeeding mothers are not advised to avoid specific foods to prevent allergies in their infants, as this approach has not been shown to be effective.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers dealing with allergic reactions have safe options available, primarily in the form of antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine. However, the best course of action is to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication. Additionally, non-medication remedies and a balanced diet can further support both the mother’s and the baby’s health during this time.

Which antihistamine is safe for 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.

Can I take Benadryl for an allergic reaction 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.

What is the best allergy medicine for nursing mom?

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).

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.

What can I take for an allergic reaction 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)

Does 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.

Is hydrocortisone cream safe for breastfeeding?

Hydrocortisone creams, ointments, sprays and suppositories for piles and itchy bottom can be used while breastfeeding, but try to only use them for a short time. It’s not known how much passes into breast milk, but it’s likely to be a tiny amount, and your baby will not be able to absorb much of it into their body.

What can I take instead of Benadryl 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.

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 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.