What is the most safe antihistamine while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antihistamines and Breastfeeding Safety
When it comes to managing allergies or cold symptoms while breastfeeding, the safety of antihistamines is a primary concern for many new mothers. The good news is that there are options available that are considered safe for both mothers and their infants.
Non-Sedating Antihistamines: The Preferred Choice
Non-sedating antihistamines are generally recommended for breastfeeding mothers. These medications, which include popular options like loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are favored because they have minimal sedative effects and are less likely to pass into breast milk in significant amounts. This means they pose a lower risk of affecting the nursing infant.
Research indicates that non-sedating antihistamines are effective in alleviating allergy symptoms without the drowsiness associated with their sedating counterparts. This is particularly important for breastfeeding mothers who need to remain alert and attentive to their infants.
Sedating Antihistamines: Caution Advised
While sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), have been used for many years, their safety during breastfeeding is less clear. Some studies suggest that these medications can transiently decrease prolactin levels, a hormone crucial for milk production, which raises concerns about their impact on breastfeeding. Although first-generation antihistamines are sometimes considered safe during pregnancy, their use while breastfeeding should be approached with caution.
Recommendations for Use
Health professionals typically advise breastfeeding mothers to opt for non-sedating antihistamines whenever possible. If a sedating antihistamine is necessary, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits against potential risks. The decision should consider the mother’s health needs, the infant’s age, and any specific health concerns.
Conclusion
In summary, non-sedating antihistamines are the safest choice for breastfeeding mothers looking to manage allergy symptoms. They provide effective relief without the sedative side effects that could impact both the mother and her baby. As always, it is advisable for mothers to discuss any medication use with their healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their infants.

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.

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.

What is the best natural antihistamine?

Top 8 natural antihistamines for allergies

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

Is Zyrtec or Claritin better for babies?

In order of preference, I recommend: Zyrtec (cetirizine) – Zyrtec can be given to children as young as 6-months and has a quick onset of action (1 hour). It’s more likely to cause drowsiness than Claritin, but more effective than Allegra. Xyzal has the same active ingredient as Zyrtec, save your money.

What can I take while breastfeeding for a cold?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

What cold medicine won’t affect my milk supply?

Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects. Pseudoephedrine. Another cold medicine safe for breastfeeding moms and their little ones is pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed and Allegra D.

What medication dries up milk supply?

Women sometimes to ask for a tablet to stop their milk supply. This medication works best if it is taken within 12- 24 hours of your baby’s birth. The medication is not routinely prescribed in hospital due to the many side effects and health risks with this medication. The medication is called cabergoline (Dostinex®).

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 antihistamines can breastfeeding moms take?

Cetirizine is one of the preferred antihistamines during breastfeeding since it is non-sedating. Nevertheless, observe for sedation in the breastfed infant. Other possible side effects would include dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention, but these are unlikely to occur if used only a few times a week.

Which allergy meds decrease milk supply?

Medications that affect breast milk production

• Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine)
• Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine)
• Allegra-D (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine)
• Aleve-D Sinus and Cold (naproxen/pseudoephedrine)