Which allergy medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Allergy Medicine Safety During Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of allergy medications while breastfeeding can be daunting for new mothers. It’s crucial to ensure that any medication taken is safe for both the mother and her nursing infant. Fortunately, there are several options available that are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Safe Allergy Medications
Non-Sedating Antihistamines: Medications such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) are generally regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers. These non-sedating antihistamines have minimal transfer into breast milk, making them compatible with breastfeeding. Studies indicate that the use of these medications in standard therapeutic doses is unlikely to result in adverse effects for nursing infants .
Nasal Decongestants: For those experiencing nasal congestion, oxymetazoline nasal spray (commonly known as Afrin) is another safe option. This medication is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream when used as a nasal spray, which means it does not impact milk supply like oral decongestants might.
Medications to Avoid
While there are safe options, certain allergy medications should be avoided during breastfeeding. First-generation antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine, diphenhydramine, and oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine, can potentially affect milk supply and may cause sedation in infants. Therefore, it’s advisable for breastfeeding mothers to steer clear of these medications.
Consultation is Key
Before starting any new medication, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare provider. This ensures that the chosen medication is appropriate for their specific health needs and circumstances. Each mother and baby pair is unique, and a healthcare professional can provide tailored advice.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers have access to several allergy medications that are safe for use, including non-sedating antihistamines and certain nasal sprays. However, caution should be exercised with first-generation antihistamines and oral decongestants. Always consult with a healthcare provider to make informed decisions about allergy treatment while breastfeeding.

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 safest allergy medicine to take while pregnant?

Safe OTC medications:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
• Loratidine (Claritin®)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)
• Nasal steroid (Flonase®)
• Guaifenesin (plain Mucinex®)
• Mentholated cream (Vicks Vapor Rub®)
• Afrin® may be used, but only for a short time (three days or less)

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.

Is Claritin better than Zyrtec 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).

Can I breastfeed if I took Benadryl?

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.

Will Claritin dry up 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.

What decongestant won’t dry up breast milk?

Safe decongestants for breastfeeding moms
Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

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 allergy meds can I 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)

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.