What can I take for allergies while breastfeeding?

Understanding Allergy Relief While Breastfeeding
Navigating allergies while breastfeeding can be a delicate balance for new mothers. It’s essential to ensure that any medication taken is safe for both the mother and the infant. Fortunately, there are several options available that can help alleviate allergy symptoms without compromising breastfeeding.
Safe Allergy Medications
When it comes to treating allergies during breastfeeding, certain antihistamines are generally considered safe. Medications such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) have been studied and are typically regarded as compatible with breastfeeding. These medications are less likely to cause sedation in both the mother and the baby, making them preferable choices for managing allergy symptoms.
However, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication. This ensures that the chosen treatment is appropriate for their specific health situation and that it won’t adversely affect their breastfeeding infant.
Non-Medication Alternatives
In addition to antihistamines, there are non-pharmaceutical approaches that can help manage allergy symptoms. For instance, saline nasal sprays can relieve nasal congestion, and eye drops can alleviate itchy, dry eyes. These options are safe and can provide relief without the risks associated with medication.
Considerations for Food Allergies
Breastfeeding mothers should also be mindful of their diet, especially if there is a family history of allergies. Certain foods consumed by the mother can potentially trigger allergic reactions in the infant. If a breastfeeding mother suspects that her diet may be affecting her baby, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to identify any problematic foods.
Conclusion
In summary, while managing allergies during breastfeeding, mothers have access to a range of safe medications and alternative treatments. Antihistamines like loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine are generally safe, but consulting with a healthcare provider is essential. Additionally, non-medication options can provide effective relief. By taking these precautions, mothers can effectively manage their allergy symptoms while ensuring the health and safety of their breastfeeding infants.

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.

Can you 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 is the best natural antihistamine?

Top 8 natural antihistamines for allergies

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

What is the safest antihistamine for babies?

Oral antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Allegra (fexofenadine) are available OTC in kid-friendly formulations. These meds help with sneezing, itching, eye irritation, and runny nose. In addition, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an OTC antihistamine that is safe for children to take.

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.

What can breastfeeding moms take for allergies?

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)