What antihistamine is safe for breastfeeding?

Understanding Antihistamines and Breastfeeding
For breastfeeding mothers grappling with allergies, the choice of antihistamines can be a significant concern. The safety of these medications during lactation is a topic of considerable interest among healthcare providers and new mothers alike.
Preferred Antihistamines for Breastfeeding
Research indicates that non-sedating antihistamines are the preferred choice for breastfeeding mothers. Medications such as cetirizine and loratadine have been highlighted as safe options. These antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness and have been extensively used in breastfeeding women, with limited but reassuring data on their presence in breast milk.
The rationale behind choosing non-sedating antihistamines lies in their pharmacokinetics; they are processed quickly by the body and do not accumulate in breast milk to a significant extent. This minimizes potential exposure to the nursing infant, making them a safer alternative compared to their sedating counterparts.
The Risks of Sedating Antihistamines
While some mothers may consider sedating antihistamines for their potential to alleviate allergy symptoms and promote sleep, caution is advised. These medications can cause drowsiness not only in the mother but potentially in the breastfeeding infant as well. The effects of sedating antihistamines on infants are less well-studied, leading many healthcare professionals to recommend avoiding them unless absolutely necessary.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers dealing with allergies should opt for non-sedating antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine. These medications are generally considered safe and effective, allowing mothers to manage their allergy symptoms without compromising the health of their infants. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it aligns with their specific health needs and circumstances.

Why is Benadryl not safe for 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.

What are the safest antihistamines during pregnancy?

Safety of antihistamines during pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) have recommended chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine as the antihistamines of choice for pregnant women.

What can I take while breastfeeding for a cold?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

Can you take Claritin or Zyrtec while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the preferred antihistamine when breastfeeding. Other second-generation antihistamines are also considered safe, but do not have as much research to support their use. These include Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratidine), and Xyzal (levocetirizine).

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)

What is the best natural antihistamine?

Top 8 natural antihistamines for allergies

• Vitamin C.
• Quercetin.
• Ceylon cinnamon.
• Butterbur.
• Probiotics.
• Black pepper extract.
• Berberine.
• Spirulina.

What antihistamines can you take 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.

Will Benadryl dry up milk supply?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

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.

Which antihistamine is considered safe for a woman who plans to breastfeed?

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.