Will allergy meds dry up breast milk?

Understanding the Impact of Allergy Medications on Breast Milk Supply
For breastfeeding mothers, managing allergies can be a challenging balancing act. Many women wonder whether taking allergy medications will affect their breast milk supply. The answer is nuanced and depends on the type of medication used.
Types of Allergy Medications
Allergy medications generally fall into two categories: antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines, particularly the older, sedating types like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), have been associated with a potential decrease in milk supply. This is primarily because they can cause dryness in mucous membranes, which may extend to the mammary glands, potentially leading to reduced milk production.
On the other hand, newer, non-sedating antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are considered safer options for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that these medications are less likely to impact milk supply negatively.
Decongestants and Their Effects
Decongestants, commonly found in cold and allergy medications, can also pose a risk. Medications containing pseudoephedrine, for example, have been shown to potentially decrease milk production. This is due to their mechanism of action, which constricts blood vessels and can lead to reduced blood flow to the mammary glands.
Safe Practices for Breastfeeding Mothers
For mothers dealing with allergies, it’s crucial to consult healthcare providers about the safest options. Many experts recommend non-pharmacological approaches as first-line treatments. These include staying hydrated, using saline nasal sprays, and employing humidifiers to alleviate symptoms without risking milk supply.
Additionally, natural remedies such as vitamin C-rich foods and herbal supplements like echinacea may provide relief without the side effects associated with conventional medications.
Conclusion
In summary, while some allergy medications can indeed dry up breast milk, not all are created equal. Non-sedating antihistamines and natural remedies are generally safer choices for breastfeeding mothers. It’s always best to discuss any medication use with a healthcare provider to ensure both the mother’s health and the well-being of her breastfeeding journey are prioritized.

What medications dry up breast milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

Will allergy medicine dry up breast milk?

High doses of sedating antihistamines have been reported by mothers to decrease milk production, but there is no scientific proof this occurs. Some allergy medications may have both an antihistamine and a decongestant in them.

Is it safe to take Zyrtec while pregnant?

Does taking cetirizine increase the chance of birth defects? Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Studies involving over 1,300 babies exposed to cetirizine in the first trimester of pregnancy did not show an increased chance of birth defects.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

Does Claritin affect baby?

Claritin is safe to take during pregnancy and nursing. However, a person should always consult a doctor before taking any medication while pregnant or nursing. While most antihistamines are safe, other medications, such as decongestants, may pose a risk to the pregnant person and fetus.

Will claritin decrease my 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.

Will Benadryl affect my breast milk?

However, Benadryl can be passed through breastmilk and cause a baby to become drowsy, excitable or irritable. Allergy medications may decrease a mother’s milk supply while breastfeeding. Claritin is an alternative to consider while breastfeeding, as well as nasal sprays and some decongestants.

How much Benadryl will dry up breast milk?

“I tell my clients not to take any antihistamines—if they can avoid them—because they tend to dry up the breastfeeding [parent’s] milk. Although everyone’s body is different, just one dose can impact milk supply,” claims Lexi Hess, a certified lactation counselor in Ohio.

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)

How do I dry up breast milk asap?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

1. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
2. Put cold packs on your breasts.
3. Use cold cabbage leaves (wash fresh cabbage and refrigerate; pull off one leaf at a time and lay them over your breasts; keep the leaves on your skin until they get soft).