All the mothers want to know is, ‘Can I take allergy medicine while breastfeeding?’. It is very natural to want relief from any symptoms of allergies, but first, safety for both you and your baby is most important. You will be better guided if you know which one is safe for you and which one will best suit your health and your baby's well-being.
Can I Take Allergy Medicine While Breastfeeding?
Yes, most allergy medications are antihistamines and tend to be considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. First-generation antihistamines, for example, diphenhydramine, have been well-studied and thus deemed safe for pregnant women. Second-generation options like cetirizine and loratadine have fewer studies but currently appear to be safe based on published data to date.
Are there any Risks of Allergy Medicine While Nursing?
There are some concerns about allergy medication during nursing. Some allergy medications are excreted in the breast milk and may affect the baby. A few considerations are as follows:
- Some of the antihistamines-for example, diphenhydramine (Benadryl)- may cause drowsiness in both the mother and the infant. Although loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), known as non-sedating antihistamines, are considered safer, still use caution.
- Pseudoephedrine can sometimes drop the milk supply, so often, it is considered an offending agent to avoid when nursing.
- Most over-the-counter allergy medication puts together antihistamines, decongestants, or pain relievers; this can cause a mix of effects on breastfeeding. Read the labels or ask your provider.
- Saline nasal sprays, steam inhalation, or products from humidifiers can sometimes be helpful for relief and pose no risk to the infant.
Lastly, it should be noted that prior to any medication intake while nursing, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider to ensure that the option is not only safe for the mother but also for the baby.
What Allergy Medicine is Safe While Breastfeeding
When you are breastfeeding, you must think about the safety of the drug that you take, including allergy medication. Fortunately, most commonly used antihistamines are considered safe for nursing mothers. These drugs pass in trace amounts through the breast milk. Listed below is the list of antihistamines with their safety profile for pregnancy and breastfeeding:
First-Generation Antihistamines (Safe in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding)
- Diphenhydramine
This is one of the most widely prescribed antihistamines. The active ingredient of this medicine appears in various cold and allergy medicines that are available without a prescription, including Benadryl. The drug is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, although it could cause drowsiness at times.
- Chlorpheniramine
This is a common antihistamine that is used to treat certain allergic conditions and symptoms of allergies. This medicine is safe to take during the pregnancy and breastfeeding stages of a woman. It is mostly found in those non-prescription products designed for cold and allergic reactions.
Like chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine is a good drug for the treatment of allergic symptoms and is considered safe in pregnancy and lactation.
- Doxylamine
Doxylamine is typically used for early morning nausea and vomiting, as it's often prescribed in the first trimester. Its use is considered safe both in pregnancy and lactation.
- Hydroxyzine (Rx only)
Hydroxyzine is a more potent antihistamine. It is usually used for anaphylaxis or severe allergies and for anxiety. Although its prescription is required, do not worry; it is safe in pregnancy and lactation.
- Pheniramine
Another first-generation antihistamine that is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is often contained in allergy medications.
- Dimenhydrinate ( Anti-nausea and Vomiting)
This is an anti-nausea medication, as it is in over-the-counter Dramamine. It can be used safely during both pregnancy and breastfeeding, though it will likely drown the patient.
Second-generation Antihistamines Used Safely during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Cetirizine
A nonsedating antihistamine, cetirizine (for example, Zyrtec), is safe in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not produce drowsiness, unlike certain first-generation antihistamines.
- Loratadine
This is another popular antihistamine that is not likely to cause drowsiness (e.g., Claritin). Loratadine is considered to be safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding, which makes it a good option for many breastfeeding women.
- Desloratadine (Metabolite of Loratadine)
Desloratadine is the active metabolite of loratadine. It shares the same safety profile, so it is also safe in both pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Fexofenadine
Other drugs in this category include the second-generation antihistamine, such as Allegra. Fexofenadine is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This drug is less likely to induce sedation compared with the first-generation antihistamines.
What are the Allergy Medications You Should Avoid While Breastfeeding?
Although the majority of allergy medications are safe in breastfeeding, some of them may raise problems for you as well as your baby, especially when they pass into the breast milk in higher amounts. Certain medications are to be taken with caution because they either can cause drowsiness or affect your milk supply. Here's what to avoid:
These medications are often prescribed for allergy treatment, but they can also produce drowsiness in both the mother and the baby. Drowsiness may render your baby sleepier than usual, thus influencing feeding and alertness.
First-generation antihistamines have been shown to decrease milk production, which would be a safety issue for breastfeeding mothers.
Examples of First-Generation Antihistamines to Avoid:
- Diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl®)
- Chlorpheniramine
- Brompheniramine
- Doxylamine
- Dimenhydrinate - used for nausea and vomiting
How to Minimize the Transfer of Medicines to Breast Milk?
Minimize how much allergy medicine is passed into the breastmilk by taking safety precautions that ensure that your baby remains safe. For example, you can set a schedule for your medication and choose a safer option: good breastfeeding habits. However, as always, the best expert advice is to consult a doctor on matters that can be done according to your and your baby's needs. Here's how you can reduce the transfer of allergy medicine into the breastmilk:
Tips for Reducing Medicine Transfer
- Breastfeeding at the appropriate time to take the medications
Take your allergy medicine right after you breastfeed. This timing gives your body a chance to process the medicine before your next feeding, so there's less of it in your breastmilk by then.
- Selecting the correct medication
Not all allergy drugs affect breast milk in the same way. Ask for medications that have a short "half-life" (meaning they do not linger in your system) and are not as likely to be transferred into breast milk.
- Good Breastfeeding Practices
Continue to nurse as normal, including while you are on your medication. This means that your baby should continue to receive the nutritional component he needs, and also to limit how much of the medication that reaches your baby.
Will Allergies Affect Breastfeeding and Milk Supply?
Allergies rarely have a direct effect on breastfeeding or milk supply, though some allergy medications or antihistamines may reduce the amount of milk supply a woman has, so it would be best that a physician advise the mother of safe alternatives. Should a baby be allergic to certain items that are present in the mother's milk, such as dairy, they will come out in rashes, upset stomachs, and other similar conditions, and the mother may have to alter her diet. Some environmental allergens may also make the mother uncomfortable, thus likely to affect the milk supply if she feels uncomfortable or unwell. Best seen by a doctor or lactation consultant for advice.
Are there Alternative Ways to Manage Allergies While Breastfeeding?
While some medications should be avoided while breastfeeding, many others are safe to use. Talk to your doctor and get advice on what might be best for you to take when you feel you need it.
For mild symptoms, several self-help treatments can help alleviate allergy symptoms enough for you not to have to resort to medication:
- Having hot showers or inhaling steam; Saline nasal sprays; Some types of eye drops (such as sodium cromoglicate).
- Having garlic and turmeric lower inflammation
- Eating citrus fruits and green vegetables to take in enough vitamin C
- Getting Vitamin D through the eggs, bone broth, mushrooms, dairy, and sunlight
- Hanging eucalyptus in the shower or inhaling eucalyptus oil in a diffuser
- Taking magnesium with your Epsom salt baths
- Drinking much water and electrolytes
- Swallowing warm honey when your throat hurts
Try Pumping if You are too Unwell to Nurse
If you're too unwell to nurse your baby, pumping will be an excellent way to offer your baby your breast milk. It is such a great device with a hands-free design, allowing you to stay mobile or even rest while expressing milk since it will automatically disconnect from the wall outlet in case you need to move around or even sleep.
The Momcozy M9 is a light, quiet, and easy pump that can be adjusted to give a personal experience. Portable and rechargeable, this pump is really handy for moms who have no time to nurse and those with illnesses. This way, you'll be able to continue your breastfeeding journey even when you're unable to do the nursing directly.
FAQs about Allergy Medicine While Breastfeeding
- Can I take Dayquil while breastfeeding?
Dayquil is relatively safe, although the decongestant phenylephrine may reduce the milk supply. Inquire with your health care provider beforehand before using it.
- Can I take Nyquil while breastfeeding?
Nyquil does contain diphenhydramine. This has a secondary effect on the milk supply, so use it with caution and consult your physician.
- Can you take Claritin while breastfeeding?
Claritin is safe to use during breastfeeding, though watch your baby closely as you might notice some reactions. Check with your provider if you need to.
- Can I take Zyrtec while breastfeeding?
However, Zyrtec is considered safe for nursing mothers, though a baby should be closely monitored in case he has any adverse reaction. Consult your doctor in case you are not sure.
Conclusion
Most allergy treatments for you are safe for your baby. Your doctor can help you find a safe allergy treatment for you and your baby. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting a new medication, and remember that relief is possible without compromising your baby's health.
