Why cant you take Claritin while breastfeeding?

Understanding Claritin and Breastfeeding
Claritin, known generically as loratadine, is a popular over-the-counter antihistamine used to alleviate allergy symptoms. While many new mothers may wonder about the safety of taking Claritin while breastfeeding, the consensus among health professionals is generally reassuring, albeit with some caveats.
Safety Profile of Claritin During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that Claritin is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The active ingredient, loratadine, passes into breast milk in very small amounts—approximately 1% of the maternal dose. This minimal transfer is unlikely to have any significant effects on a breastfeeding infant. In fact, loratadine is often recommended as a preferred antihistamine for nursing mothers due to its lower likelihood of causing sedation compared to other antihistamines.
However, some anecdotal reports from parents have raised concerns. A small percentage of mothers have noted mild side effects in their babies, such as irritability and drowsiness. Specifically, about 1.6% of parents reported drowsiness, while 10% observed irritability in their infants. These side effects, while concerning, are relatively rare and suggest that most infants do not experience adverse reactions.
Expert Recommendations
Health professionals typically advise that if a breastfeeding mother finds it necessary to take Claritin, she should monitor her baby for any unusual behavior. The low sedative effect of loratadine means that it is less likely to cause significant drowsiness in infants compared to other antihistamines. Moreover, studies have shown that the level of sedation in babies whose mothers took Claritin was comparable to those in control groups, indicating that the medication does not significantly impact infant alertness.
Conclusion
In summary, while Claritin is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to remain vigilant for any potential side effects in infants. The benefits of alleviating allergy symptoms often outweigh the risks, but as with any medication, it is advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

Who should avoid Claritin?

Claritin is generally avoided during pregnancy and nursing. Pregnant women may take Claritin only if it is clearly needed. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding. Claritin should not be used in children younger than 6 years of age unless directed by a doctor.

Will Zyrtec dry up my 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 happens if you take Claritin while breastfeeding?

Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include: 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.

Can I breastfeed if I took Benadryl?

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.

Is Claritin or zyrtec better 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).

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 Claritin affect baby?

Claritin is safe to take during pregnancy and nursing. However, a person should always consult a doctor before taking any medication while pregnant or nursing. While most antihistamines are safe, other medications, such as decongestants, may pose a risk to the pregnant person and fetus.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after taking 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.

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 is the safest antihistamine 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)