What nasal spray can I use while breastfeeding?

Understanding Nasal Spray Options While Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing nasal congestion during breastfeeding, it’s essential to choose medications that are safe for both the mother and the infant. Fortunately, several nasal sprays are considered effective and safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Safe Nasal Spray Choices
1. Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays:
Corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as Fluticasone (commonly known by brand names like Flonase), are among the safest options for breastfeeding mothers. These sprays are primarily used to treat allergic rhinitis and have limited systemic absorption, meaning that only a small amount, if any, reaches the breast milk. Expert opinions suggest that the levels of these medications in breast milk are unlikely to be clinically significant, even at higher doses.
2. Mast Cell Stabilizers:
Another effective option is cromolyn sodium nasal spray (e.g., Nasalcrom). This type of spray works by stabilizing mast cells and preventing the release of histamine, making it a good choice for allergy-related symptoms. It is also considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
3. Saline Nasal Sprays:
For those looking for a non-medicated option, saline nasal sprays are an excellent choice. These sprays help to moisturize the nasal passages and can alleviate congestion without any risk to the breastfeeding infant. They are simply salt-and-water solutions that can help clear nasal fluids and reduce pressure.
Considerations and Recommendations
While many nasal sprays are safe, it’s important to avoid overusing decongestant sprays like Afrin or Nasacort for extended periods, as they can lead to rebound congestion if used for more than three days. If you are considering using any medication, including nasal sprays, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that it aligns with your specific health needs and circumstances.
In summary, breastfeeding mothers have several safe nasal spray options available, including corticosteroid sprays like Fluticasone, mast cell stabilizers like cromolyn sodium, and saline sprays. These choices can effectively manage nasal congestion while ensuring the safety of both mother and child.

Does Zyrtec dry up breast milk?

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.

Which nasal spray is safe during breastfeeding?

Corticosteroid nasal sprays containing beclomethasone and budesonide are considered safe to use during breastfeeding. Decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline or tramazoline may be used if corticosteroid and antihistamine nasal sprays have not relieved the symptoms.

What is the safest nasal spray during pregnancy?

As per the FDA, Rhinocort Aqua is in Pregnancy Category B (see page 15), making it one of the safer nasal sprays to use during pregnancy. Rhinocort Aqua contains Budesonide, which is a type of steroid that helps produce hormones naturally, to control inflammatory responses.

What is the best decongestant to stop breastfeeding?

Take Sudafed.
Pseudoephedrine, or Sudafed, is a common over-the-counter decongestant. Research shows the Sudafed causes a noticeable decrease in milk production. Like birth control, Sudafed should only be used to suppress lactation under the supervision of a doctor.

Will Flonase dry up my milk supply?

Most allergy medication are considered safe for use while breastfeeding and will not impact 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.

What decongestant won’t dry up breast milk?

Safe decongestants for breastfeeding moms
Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

What is the safest anti allergy medication for 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 take anything for nasal congestion while breastfeeding?

It is recommended that breastfeeding women AVOID decongestant tablets, powders or drinks. Decongestant nasal sprays containing xylometazoline, oxymetazoline are effective in relieving nasal congestion but do not produce wakefulness nor reduce milk supply.

Is Flonase nasal spray safe while breastfeeding?

It’s usually OK to use your fluticasone nasal spray or drops as normal while you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known how much fluticasone gets into breast milk, but it’s likely to be a tiny amount.