What allergy medicine can you take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Allergy Medications While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of allergy medications can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. With concerns about the safety of various drugs for both the mother and the nursing infant, it’s crucial to understand which options are considered safe and effective.
Safe Allergy Medications
Research indicates that non-sedating antihistamines are generally regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers. Medications such as loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Clarinex), and fexofenadine (Allegra) have been studied and are considered compatible with breastfeeding. These medications have minimal transfer into breast milk, meaning that the exposure to nursing infants is significantly low, thus unlikely to cause adverse effects .
Additionally, Zyrtec (cetirizine) is also deemed safe for use during breastfeeding. These medications work effectively to alleviate allergy symptoms without the sedative effects associated with first-generation antihistamines.
Medications to Avoid
Conversely, breastfeeding mothers should be cautious with first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine, and brompheniramine. These medications can cause sedation and may lead to decreased milk production. Furthermore, decongestants like pseudoephedrine are also advised against, as they can potentially reduce milk supply.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
While many over-the-counter allergy medications are safe, it is always prudent for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new medication. This ensures that the chosen treatment aligns with their specific health needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely use non-sedating antihistamines like loratadine, desloratadine, and fexofenadine to manage allergy symptoms. However, they should avoid first-generation antihistamines and decongestants. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice to ensure both maternal and infant health are prioritized.

Will Zyrtec 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.

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.

Which works better, Claritin or Zyrtec?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are two popular brands. They contain different compounds but appear to be equally effective. Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes, itchy skin, hives, and swelling.

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 pass my allergies to my baby through breastfeeding?

Food allergens in the mother’s diet can pass through into the breastmilk so a breastfed baby can have an allergic response or intolerance to something in the mother’s diet.

Does Zyrtec decrease milk supply?

High doses of sedating antihistamines have been reported by mothers to decrease milk production, but there is no scientific proof this occurs.

What medicine can I take for a cold while breastfeeding?

Most cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding, especially if you take them short term and only when you need them. Some of the medications that are safe include: Expectorants that contain guaifenesin (Mucinex®, Robitussin® and others). Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (DayQuil®, Delsym® and others).

Should I take Claritin or Zyrtec while breastfeeding?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are the recommended antihistamines when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra and Xyzal. Antihistamines such as Zatador are available as eye drops, which help itchy, watery eyes.

Which antihistamine is safe in breastfeeding?

Loratadine or cetirizine are usually OK to take while breastfeeding. Always check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it’s safe for you before taking it or giving it to your child.

Will Claritin dry up 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.