Does diphenhydramine dry up breast milk?

Understanding Diphenhydramine and Its Effects on Breast Milk
Diphenhydramine, commonly known by its brand name Benadryl, is an antihistamine frequently used to alleviate allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and insomnia. However, its use during breastfeeding raises important questions regarding its impact on breast milk production and the health of nursing infants.
The Impact on Milk Supply
Research indicates that small, occasional doses of diphenhydramine are unlikely to cause significant adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, caution is advised with larger doses or prolonged use. Such usage may potentially decrease milk supply, particularly when combined with other medications like pseudoephedrine, which is known to affect lactation negatively.
While diphenhydramine itself does not directly reduce the amount of milk produced, it may decrease the flow of milk from the breasts. This is particularly relevant for mothers who may already be experiencing challenges with milk production.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
For nursing mothers considering diphenhydramine, it is generally recommended to use the lowest effective dose and to limit the duration of use. Taking the medication after the last feeding of the day can help mitigate potential impacts on milk flow.
Healthcare professionals often advise that if a mother is already facing issues with milk supply, she should be particularly cautious with any antihistamines, including diphenhydramine.
Conclusion
In summary, while diphenhydramine can be used by breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to be mindful of the dosage and duration of use. Occasional, low doses are typically safe, but larger doses or prolonged use may lead to decreased milk flow and could affect the infant. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for personalized advice and to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

Does diphenhydramine affect breast milk supply?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Larger doses or more prolonged use may cause effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as pseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established.

What is the best sleep aid for breastfeeding moms?

However, the ‘z- drugs’ (zolpidem and zopiclone) are preferred for the short-term management of insomnia during breastfeeding, as they have shorter half-lives than the benzodiazepines and appear to pass into breast milk in small amounts. Melatonin can also be used in breastfeeding with caution.

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 dries up breast milk fast?

Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body is making.

1. 7 ways to dry your breast milk supply quickly.
2. Cold turkey.
3. Herbs.
4. Cabbage.
5. Birth control.
6. Sudafed.
7. Vitamin B.
8. Other drugs.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?

1. Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day. Especially in the first few weeks of life, the number of wet and dirty diapers your child produces is an indicator of the amount of food they’re getting.
2. Lack of weight gain.
3. Signs of dehydration.

What medication dries up breast milk?

Women sometimes to ask for a tablet to stop their milk supply. This medication works best if it is taken within 12- 24 hours of your baby’s birth. The medication is not routinely prescribed in hospital due to the many side effects and health risks with this medication. The medication is called cabergoline (Dostinex®).

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 tablet dries up milk?

The drug of choice at the Royal Hospital for Women is currently Cabergoline (Dostinex) is a treatment reported and used for mothers with hypergalactia . In low doses cabergoline has been reported to decrease milk supply.

How long to wait to breastfeed after Benadryl?

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 antihistamines will dry up breast milk?

First generation antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), have effects beyond relieving allergy symptoms. They may decrease supply if used at high doses and for long periods of time. It may be best to avoid these antihistamines if possible.