Can breastfeeding moms take Benadryl?

Can Breastfeeding Moms Take Benadryl?
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing allergies or cold symptoms while ensuring the safety of their infants. One common medication that comes into question is Benadryl, which contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine. Understanding its effects on both the mother and the breastfeeding infant is crucial for making informed decisions.
Safety Profile of Benadryl for Breastfeeding Mothers
Benadryl is primarily used to relieve symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. While it is generally considered safe for occasional use, it is important to note that diphenhydramine can pass into breast milk. This transfer, although minimal, raises concerns about potential effects on the nursing infant.
Research indicates that small, occasional doses of diphenhydramine are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, larger doses or prolonged use may lead to complications, including drowsiness in the infant or a decrease in the mother’s milk supply. Therefore, while an occasional dose may not pose significant risks, it is not the first-line recommendation for breastfeeding mothers.
Potential Side Effects for Infants
The possible side effects of Benadryl on nursing babies include drowsiness and irritability. These effects can vary based on the infant’s sensitivity and the dosage taken by the mother. Experts suggest that while most allergy medications do not significantly affect nursing infants, Benadryl should be approached with caution.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
Given the potential risks associated with Benadryl, it is highly recommended that breastfeeding mothers consult with their healthcare providers before taking this medication. A doctor can provide personalized advice and may suggest alternative treatments that are safer and more effective for managing allergy symptoms.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding mothers can take Benadryl occasionally without significant risk to their infants, it is not the preferred option due to its potential side effects and the availability of safer alternatives. Mothers should always prioritize consulting healthcare professionals to ensure both their health and the well-being of their babies are safeguarded.

Can I take Benadryl when breastfeeding?

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.

What medications decrease 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.

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.

Is Benadryl ok to take while pregnant?

Benadryl is considered to be safe during pregnancy. Doctors and nurses recommend this OTC medication to help relieve allergy symptoms, even while you’re pregnant. Recent studies have found Benadryl to be safe.

Why is Benadryl given during labor?

Vistaril or Benadryl it can be given alone or in combination with a narcotic. It will relax you, it may also be used if you are nauseous and vomiting. It can be given at any time and usually does not slow down your labor.

Will 25mg of Benadryl make me sleepy?

Some people also take Benadryl as an over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aid since it causes drowsiness. The recommended Benadryl dosage for sleep is 25 mg to 50 mg by mouth at bedtime in adults and kids ages 12 years and older. Benadryl should not be taken for longer than 2 weeks at a time.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for 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.

What allergy medicine can you take while breastfeeding?

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.

Do antihistamines dry up breast milk?

There is conflicting data on the effect of antihistamines and breast milk production, and the evidence is very limited. Antihistamines, used at normal therapeutic doses are unlikely to affect breast milk production, especially where lactation is established, i.e. after 6-8 weeks postpartum.

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.