What kind of allergy medicine can I take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Allergy Medications While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of allergy medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. With concerns about the safety of various drugs for both the mother and the nursing infant, it’s essential to understand which options are available and safe to use.
Safe Allergy Medications
Research indicates that certain second-generation antihistamines are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Medications such as loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec) have been studied and are regarded as compatible with breastfeeding. These medications are less likely to cause sedation and have minimal transfer into breast milk, making them a preferable choice for managing allergy symptoms while nursing.
Loratadine, in particular, has been well-studied, and the amount that passes into breast milk is minimal, suggesting that it poses little risk to nursing infants. This makes it a popular choice among healthcare providers when recommending allergy relief for breastfeeding mothers.
Medications to Avoid
Conversely, certain medications should be avoided due to their potential effects on both the mother and the infant. First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine, and brompheniramine, are known to cause sedation and may lead to decreased milk supply. Additionally, medications containing decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, can also negatively impact milk production.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
It is always advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new medication. This ensures that they receive personalized advice based on their specific health needs and circumstances. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance on the safest options and help monitor any potential side effects.
Conclusion
In summary, while managing allergies during breastfeeding, mothers can safely use second-generation antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine. However, they should steer clear of first-generation antihistamines and decongestants that may adversely affect milk supply and cause sedation. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the best choices for both mother and child.

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 medications should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

Will Claritin dry up my milk supply?

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.

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.

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)

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 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.

Can I pass my allergies to my baby through breastfeeding?

Food allergens in the mother’s diet can pass through into the breastmilk so a breastfed baby can have an allergic response or intolerance to something in the mother’s diet.

Does Zyrtec dry breast milk?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

What allergy medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

All antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in the breast milk and would not cause any adverse effects on a breastfeeding infant.