Which antihistamines are safe in breastfeeding?

Understanding Antihistamines and Breastfeeding
For breastfeeding mothers grappling with allergies, the choice of antihistamines can be a source of concern. The safety of these medications during lactation is a critical consideration, as mothers want to ensure their treatment does not adversely affect their infants.
Preferred Antihistamines
The consensus among healthcare professionals is that non-sedating antihistamines are the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. Specifically, cetirizine (commonly known as Zyrtec) and loratadine (known as Claritin) are highly recommended. These medications have been extensively used in breastfeeding women, and while there is limited published data, existing studies indicate that the amounts transferred to breast milk are minimal and unlikely to affect the nursing infant.
Safety of Sedating Antihistamines
While some may consider sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), it is generally advised to avoid these during breastfeeding. Sedating antihistamines can potentially cause drowsiness in both the mother and the baby, which raises concerns about the infant’s alertness and overall well-being. Although first-generation antihistamines have been deemed safe for use during pregnancy, their effects during breastfeeding are less clear, and caution is warranted.
Recommendations from Health Organizations
The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology supports the use of non-sedating antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine for breastfeeding mothers. They emphasize that these medications are not only effective for managing allergy symptoms but also have a well-established safety profile.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers seeking relief from allergies should prioritize non-sedating antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine. These medications are considered safe and effective, allowing mothers to manage their symptoms without compromising the health of their infants. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new medication to ensure it aligns with their specific health needs and circumstances.

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.

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 is the safest antihistamine while breastfeeding?

Recommendation. The preferred choice of sedating antihistamine is chlorphenamine due to extensive experience of safe use. Hydroxyzine or promethazine can be used when breastfeeding with caution and close monitoring, if chlorphenamine is not suitable.

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).

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 antihistamine is safest in pregnancy?

Safety of antihistamines during pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) have recommended chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine as the antihistamines of choice for pregnant women.

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)

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.

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.

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.