Which antihistamine is safe in breastfeeding?

Understanding Antihistamine Safety in Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing allergies during breastfeeding, the safety of antihistamines is a common concern for nursing mothers. The good news is that there are options available that are considered safe for both mothers and their infants.
Preferred Antihistamines
Non-sedating antihistamines are generally recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Among these, cetirizine and loratadine stand out as the preferred choices. These medications have been studied extensively, and research indicates that they transfer into breast milk in very low amounts, making them suitable for use during lactation.
Cetirizine and loratadine are both effective in alleviating allergy symptoms without the sedative effects associated with older antihistamines. This is particularly important for breastfeeding mothers who need to remain alert and attentive to their infants.
Considerations for Sedating Antihistamines
While some may wonder about the safety of sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, these are generally not the first choice for breastfeeding mothers. Although they are considered safe in some contexts, their sedative properties can affect both the mother and the baby. The potential for drowsiness in the infant is a significant concern, which is why non-sedating options are preferred.
Conclusion
In summary, for breastfeeding mothers seeking relief from allergies, cetirizine and loratadine are the safest antihistamines to consider. They provide effective symptom relief with minimal risk to the nursing infant, allowing mothers to manage their allergies without compromising their baby’s well-being. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication to ensure it aligns with individual health needs and circumstances.

Is Claritin or Zyrtec better 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).

Which is safer, loratadine or cetirizine?

For long-lasting relief, medications with loratadine may be the better option. However, Loratadine is likely to interact with other drugs causing more risks for side effects. Drugs containing loratadine are also not safe for people with severe liver conditions.

Which is better, Zyrtec or Claritin?

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 is the safest antihistamine for babies?

Oral antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Allegra (fexofenadine) are available OTC in kid-friendly formulations. These meds help with sneezing, itching, eye irritation, and runny nose. In addition, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an OTC antihistamine that is safe for children to take.

Will Claritin dry up 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.

Is loratadine safe in breastfeeding?

Loratadine and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take loratadine while breastfeeding. There is some information available which shows that only tiny amounts get into breast milk. It has been used for many years in breastfeeding women without side effects in their babies.

What antihistamines 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)

What is the most safe antihistamine 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).

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.

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.