Page Content
- Which works better, Claritin or Zyrtec?
- Can I breastfeed if I have seasonal allergies?
- Will Claritin dry up my breast milk?
- What can I take for allergies while breastfeeding?
- What is the best allergy medicine for nursing mom?
- Can I take Texa allergy while breastfeeding?
- What is the most common allergy in a breastfed baby?
- What are the common allergies for breastfed babies?
- Should I take Claritin or zyrtec while breastfeeding?
- Will Zyrtec dry up my milk supply?
Understanding Allergy Medicine Safety During Breastfeeding
For breastfeeding mothers, managing allergies can be a delicate balance between finding relief and ensuring the safety of their nursing infants. The good news is that there are several allergy medications deemed safe for use while breastfeeding, allowing mothers to address their symptoms without significant risk to their babies.
Safe Allergy Medications
Research indicates that non-sedating antihistamines are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Medications such as loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec) have been studied and are regarded as compatible with breastfeeding. These medications have minimal transfer into breast milk, which means that the exposure to nursing infants is significantly low and unlikely to cause adverse effects.
In addition to antihistamines, certain nasal sprays are also safe options. Budesonide (Rhinocort) and fluticasone (Flonase) are examples of nasal corticosteroids that can provide relief from allergy symptoms without posing risks to breastfeeding infants.
Medications to Avoid
While many allergy medications are safe, some should be avoided. First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine, and brompheniramine, are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. These medications can cause sedation and may lead to more significant side effects in both the mother and the infant. Additionally, medications containing decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, should also be approached with caution, as they can affect milk supply and may not be suitable for nursing mothers.
Consultation is Key
Despite the general guidelines, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new medication. Individual health circumstances can vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on a mother’s specific situation and health history.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can find relief from allergy symptoms with the use of non-sedating antihistamines and certain nasal sprays, while avoiding first-generation antihistamines and decongestants. Always prioritize safety by discussing any medication with a healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and 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.
Can I breastfeed if I have seasonal allergies?
Yes. A parent can still breastfeed/chestfeed when suffering from seasonal allergies. You may not be feeling well because you are sneezing and your eyes are puffy, but it is still safe to breastfeed/chestfeed. However, prescription or over-the-counter allergy medication may affect your milk production.
Will Claritin dry up my breast milk?
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.
What can I take for allergies 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)
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).
Can I take Texa allergy while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not use TEXA ALLERGY TABLETS if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or you are breastfeeding your baby (see Do not take TEXA ALLERGY TABLETS). If you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby, please consult your healthcare provider for advice before taking TEXA ALLERGY TABLETS.
What is the most common allergy in a breastfed baby?
Food allergies in babies can cause mild to severe skin reactions, respiratory problems, and intestinal symptoms. Breastfed babies typically develop allergies to the foods that their mother eats. The most common food allergies in babies and children include milk and dairy products, peanuts, and shellfish.
What are the common allergies for breastfed babies?
Babies love the flavors of foods that come through in your milk. Sometimes, though, a baby may be sensitive, not allergic, to something you eat, such as dairy products like milk and cheese. Soy, eggs, wheat, corn, beef and nuts are also common causes of food sensitivity.
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.
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.