Why cant I take Benadryl while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Risks of Benadryl While Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing allergies or cold symptoms, many new mothers might consider taking Benadryl, a common over-the-counter medication. However, the question of safety during breastfeeding is a significant concern.
Benadryl and Its Effects on Breastfeeding
Benadryl, which contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine, is known for its effectiveness in alleviating allergy symptoms. Yet, it poses potential risks for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Research indicates that Benadryl can pass into breast milk, which raises concerns about its effects on nursing babies.
Infants, particularly younger ones, are especially sensitive to medications that a breastfeeding mother consumes. The presence of diphenhydramine in breast milk can lead to adverse effects in babies, such as increased drowsiness and irritability. These symptoms can be particularly troubling, as they may mimic colic-type reactions, causing distress for both the infant and the mother.
Potential Risks for Mothers and Infants
In addition to the effects on infants, Benadryl can also impact the mother. The sedative properties of diphenhydramine can lead to drowsiness and impaired coordination in the breastfeeding parent, which could pose safety risks when caring for a baby. This dual risk—affecting both the mother and the child—makes Benadryl a less than ideal choice during breastfeeding.
While some studies suggest that small, occasional doses of diphenhydramine may not cause significant adverse effects in breastfed infants, the consensus leans towards caution. Larger doses or prolonged use can lead to more pronounced effects on the infant and may even decrease milk supply.
Alternatives to Consider
Given these concerns, many healthcare professionals recommend exploring alternative allergy medications that are considered safer for breastfeeding mothers. Options such as certain non-sedating antihistamines may provide relief without the associated risks of Benadryl.
In conclusion, while Benadryl can be effective for treating allergy symptoms, its use during breastfeeding is fraught with potential risks for both mother and child. It is always advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers before taking any medication to ensure the safety and well-being of their infants.

Can Benadryl affect babies?

Serious side effects, such as seizures, are more likely to occur in younger children and could pose greater risk to infants or young children when compared to older children or adults. In general, children are more sensitive than adults to the side effects of antihistamines.

What can you take instead of Benadryl?

Other Alternative Allergy Treatments

• Allegra (fexofenadine)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Chlorpheniramine.
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Dimetapp (brompheniramine)
• Clemastine.
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Why can’t you take antihistamines while breastfeeding?

There are relatively fewer data on the nonsedating second-generation antihistamines; however, published studies are reassuring. 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.

What does Benadryl do to baby while pregnant?

However, several recent medical studies have found that diphenhydramine doesn’t cause these or any abnormalities at birth at all. This research shows that taking Benadryl at any stage of your pregnancy, even the first trimester, is safe.

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.

Can histamine pass through breast milk?

Elevated levels of histamine have not been found in breast milk. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the production of the DAO enzyme in most placentas from week 12 of gestation to create a metabolic barrier and prevent excessive entry of histamine into the fetus.

What happens if you take Benadryl while 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.

Can histamine pass through breastmilk?

Elevated levels of histamine have not been found in breast milk. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the production of the DAO enzyme in most placentas from week 12 of gestation to create a metabolic barrier and prevent excessive entry of histamine into the fetus.

How long until Benadryl is out of breast milk?

Also ask how long the medicine will be in your breast milk, so you can plan for future feedings or pumping. Hux says that 50 milligrams of Benadryl, which is usually the dose taken for an allergic reaction, is going to stay in your system for about eight hours or even a little longer.

What is the safest allergy medicine to 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)