Is It Safe For A Breastfeeding Mom To Take Allergy Medicine
Yes, there are allergy medications that are safe to take while youre breastfeeding.
Just be careful, because over-the-counter allergy medications are often combined with other drugs in one liquid or pill. To limit your babys exposure, its best to avoid products that tackle more than one symptom at once or that have more than one active ingredient listed.
Antihistamines, which alleviate allergies, are generally considered safe. But keep in mind that so-called first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine can potentially cause sedation in your baby , while the second- and third-generation medications such as loratadine and fexofenadine are less likely to. Your pediatrician may have a preference as to which one you try first.
Learn more about the safety of commonly used medications during breastfeeding.
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Can Medicines Affect The Baby
Some medicines can give the baby diarrhoea or vomiting, or make them unusually sleepy or irritable. Other medicines can also cause you to have more or less milk production than normal.
The amount of medicine that enters the breast milk and the effect on the baby depend on the age and health of the baby, the type of medicine, how much you take, and when you take it.
You should take special care if your baby was premature, is sick, or is taking medicines themselves.
How Will My Asthma Affect My Labour
Taking asthma medicines during pregnancy does not delay or lengthen delivery time. Having well-controlled asthma reduces the risk of premature delivery. Talk to your doctor before your labour about how your asthma may affect the delivery, and ask them to advise other medical staff of your special needs.
Pain relieving drugs are available for use by women with asthma during labour and your options for pain management can be discussed with your doctor.
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Effect On Breast Milk Production
There is conflicting data on the effect of antihistamines and breast milk production, and the evidence is very limited.
Antihistamines, used at normal therapeutic doses are unlikely to affect breast milk production, especially where lactation is established, i.e. after 6-8 weeks postpartum.
One small study, reported a possible increase in the time until milk secretion postpartum when promethazine was given during labour. In another study, high doses of dexchlorphenamine or promethazine were reported to significantly reduce serum prolactin levels but did not influence suckling-induced prolactin release. One mother reported a reduction in milk production after taking 10mg of loratadine.
There have been no studies looking at other antihistamines, lower doses, or what effect any changes in prolactin might have on milk production.
Reducing Transference To Your Breastmilk
To avoid medication or treatments from entering the bloodstream, you should aim to treat the symptom locally, whenever possible. By that, we mean applying the medication directly to the area that needs treatment. For example, use eye drops for itchy eyes or nasal spray for nasal congestion.
Administer your medication immediately AFTER nursing your baby or before your babys most extended sleep period to minimize the amount of medication in your milk.
Use the lowest advisable dosage possible to treat your symptoms.
Remember to pump and discard your milk if you only take medications for a few days.
Please read the ingredients label on your medications, ask your pharmacist for guidance if you are unsure, or consult your doctor.
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Are Prescription Antibiotics & steroids Safe While Breastfeeding
Antibiotics prescription only: In general, it is safe to breastfeed while on a short course . These medications typically transfer into milk in acceptable amounts. Some infants can be sensitive to even small amounts in their GI tract, causing diarrhea. If age appropriate, probiotics or yogurt with live cultures can be used to minimize GI upset . Common names: penicillins, cephalosporins, azithromycin
Steroids prescription only: Short term courses of oral or injectable steroids are unlikely to affect breastfed infants. Doses used for respiratory infections do not require any interruption to breastfeeding. Common names: methylprednisolone , prednison, prednisolone, budesonide , triamcinolone
Alternatives To Benadryl While Breastfeeding
The active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is a first-generation antihistamine. That means it was one of the first kinds developed. There are more side effects from these drugs than from later generations of antihistamines.
Your doctor may suggest that you use low doses of products that contain a second-generation antihistamine, like cetirizine or loratadine , instead of Benadryl. Your doctor will likely recommend that you dont use them too often, though. These drugs can still pass into your breast milk and make your baby sleepy, but not as much as Benadryl would.
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Types Of Allergy Medications
Antihistamines: Stops the histamine response by directly blocking your body’s histamine receptors.
: Contracts blood vessels, thereby decreasing swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages.
Corticosteroids: Similar to decongestants, corticosteroids provide temporary relief, but rather than narrowing blood vessels, the easing of symptoms is due to the steroid’s synthetic substance similar to cortisol.
Mast Cell Stabilizers: Prevent the release of histamine by blocking cell degranulation and stabilizing mast cells.
Leukotriene inhibitors: relieves allergy symptoms by stoping the Leukotriene chemical thus blocking 5-lipoxygenase activity
Immunotherapy: Habituatlizes your body to the allergen by gradually increasing the dosage of exposure
Emergency epinephrine: reverses symptoms a life-threatening allergic reaction by constricting blood vessels and raising blood pressure.
The Risks Of Allergy Medicine While Nursing
The risks associated with allergy medicine come from the fact that there are not many scientific studies on pregnant and nursing people. This is because of the risk to the baby. Because of this, there often isnt enough information to say whether a drug is completely safe and would not have any side effects.
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When To See A Doctor
Most colds are mild and last between three and seven days. If your symptoms dont improve within this time span or worsen, make an appointment with your doctor. Sometimes, the common cold mimics other conditions or develops into a secondary infection. More serious symptoms to watch out for include wheezing, an earache, a severe cough, and facial pain. These symptoms may indicate one or more of the following conditions:
For Itchy Eyes And Nasal Drainage
Eye irritation and nasal drainage are two of the most common allergy symptoms.
Both conditions result from an allergic reaction, specifically through the release of histamines.
When you experience these symptoms, you should consider taking antihistamines, which are deemed safe for your baby and your breast milk supply.
Zyrtec
The preferred antihistamine to take while breastfeeding is Zyrtec.
Additionally, other second-generation antihistamines are also considered safe, but there is less research supporting their use.
These include Xyzal , Claritin , and Allegra .
Loratadine
The fact that this medication does not cross the blood-brain barrier makes it THE over-the-counter antihistamine of choice, even though it is a long-acting antihistamine.
Based on Hales Medication & Mothers Milk, an infant weighing 8.8 lbs would receive less than 0.46 percent of the maternal dose according to Hales Medication & Mothers Milk.
Fexofenadine
The nonsedating nature of this medication makes it a preferred antihistamine for breastfeeding mothers. Fexofenadine does not appear to have any adverse effects on nursing babies.
Levocabastine oral and Levocabastine eyedrops
Although most commonly prescribed as eye drops, the amount of medication that transfers into human milk is so tiny that its not clinically significant. Plus, there have been no reports of adverse effects in breastfed babies.
However, information regarding Levocabastine oral preparations is not available.
Zatador
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What Can I Take For Allergies & Sinus Congestion While Breastfeeding
Diphenhydramine : Antihistamine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is often used in cough, cold, sinus, and allergy formulations. It is also the main component in many sleep aids, including nighttime versions of cold medications, as well as motion sickness pills. Although the levels are low in breastmilk, this medication can cause sedation and therefore is not ideal in breastfeeding mothers. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. There are many non-sedating antihistamines on the market, which are likely a better choice. These include cetirizine , loratadine , and fexofenadine . There is some anecdotal evidence that diphenhydramine can suppress milk production, but this pattern is not supported by the medical literature. Common trade names: Benadryl, Tylenol PM.
Chlorpheniramine and Brompheniramine : Antihistamine. These medicines are similar to diphenhydramine, but they have fewer studies about breast milk safety. They are heavily sedating and not recommended. If you are taking a sedating medication, be sure to have support in caring for your infant. The non-sedating antihistamines mentioned above are still better choices. Common trade names: Aller-Chlor, C.P.M., Chlor-Phen, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Teldrin HBP.
What Are Some Medications To Avoid When Breastfeeding
Generally, doctors avoid the following medicines for sinus infections when you are breastfeeding, as they could be harmful to the baby.
- Avoid OTC drugs without consulting the doctor because you should know if these medicines contain compounds that could pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
- Avoid medicines that contain naproxen
- Do not consume any antibiotics for sinus infections, as most sinus infections do not need antibiotics. Viral infections do not need antibiotics. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics for severe symptoms, such as fever over 38.6°C , pain and tenderness in sinuses, and signs of a skin infection, such as a hot, red rash that spreads quickly . The commonly prescribed antibiotics are levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate . If antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor, then the breastfeeding mother can safely consume it as it does not affect her breast milk.
Although some OTC medicines may not cause any potential hazard to the baby, it is suggested to use only prescription drugs.
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Sinus Pressure And Congestion
Other common symptoms associated with allergy season include sinus pressure and congestion.
Afrin
Afrin nasal spray is a safe nasal decongestant while breastfeeding.
Due to its poor absorption from nasal passages, Afrin does not affect supply as a decongestant taken orally.
However, Afrin may cause rebound congestion if taken for more than three days in a row.
Flonase and Nasacort
The steroid nasal sprays Flonase and Nasacort can reduce sinus pressure and congestion.
Although they are considered safe for supply and baby, it may take a few days to work completely. However, few people prefer Nasacort for its less taste.
Atrovent and Cromolyn
While Atrovent is a prescription nasal spray, Cromolyn is an OTC medication. They are both also considered safe for supply and your baby. But you will only find them in a few pharmacies.
What Should I Do To Control My Asthma When I Am Pregnant
During your pregnancy, you should continue to follow your asthma control plan. You shouldnt stop treating your asthma and need to talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications.
Some ways to keep your asthma in control during your pregnancy include avoiding your triggers and irritants. Triggers and irritants to avoid include:
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What Can I Take For Nasal Congestion And Swelling While Breastfeeding
Nasal Saline Irrigation : Using salt water to irrigate the nose and sinuses is a practice dating back thousands of years. In modern pharmacies, saline is available in nasal sprays and nasal rinses, as well as mineral packets for home reconstitution. Studies have shown sinus and nasal rinsing to be highly effective in relieving symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.4Saline irrigation is the safest possible treatment for rhinosinusitis in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Common Trade names: Sinus Rinse, Simply Saline, Ocean
Oxymetazoline : Nasal Decongestant.This decongestant comes in several formulations that last between 4 and 12 hours. There are no good studies of oxymetazoline safety during breastfeeding, however, very little of it is expected to reach the milk because it is locally administered and poorly absorbed. For this reason, oxymetazoline is probably a better choice than oral systemic decongestants such as pseudoephedrine during breastfeeding. Oxymetazoline should only be used briefly, no more than 3 days, to avoid rebound congestion. Common trade name: Afrin.
Triamcinolone : Nasal Steroid. This is the first OTC steroid nasal spray to be marketed in the United States. Triamcinolone may be used for longer periods of time without causing rebound congestion. There is virtually no risk to a breastfeeding infant when the mother uses this product nasally. Oral and topical forms deserve more caution in their use. Common trade name: Kenalog shot, Nasacort.1
Breastfeeding When Youre Sick
Youre likely to feel tired, so listen to your body and get some rest when you can. Sleep when your baby sleeps and ask for help at home if you need it.
Breastfeeding your baby when youâre sick is generally safe. In rare cases, you may need to stop breastfeeding if you have a serious illness. Talk to your GP if you are worried.
For most illnesses, continuing to breastfeed will pass on immunity cells to your baby. This may help them to fight this specific infection. If your baby becomes ill, your breast milk will help them to recover more quickly.
Practising good hygiene is very important to stop any infection spreading to others. With coughs and colds, cough into a tissue, bin it, and then wash your hands.
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Is It Safe To Take Allergy Medicine While Breastfeeding
Many people have heard that its not safe to take any medication while pregnant or breastfeeding. This is true for certain medications, but some allergy medications are safe during breastfeeding. There is no need to suffer through the symptoms associated with allergies while breastfeeding.
There are three things to consider when it comes to taking allergy medications while breastfeeding:
- What effect the drug will have
- What effect it will have on the baby
- How it might affect milk production
Always get advice from a health care provider before taking any medicine while breastfeeding. For something very minimal, health care providers will recommend saline nose or eye drops to alleviate stuffiness or itchy, dry eyes.
Another alternative to treat allergies while nursing is allergy injections or allergen immunotherapy. According to the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, There is no evidence of an increased risk of prescribing or continuing allergen immunotherapy for a parent while breastfeeding and no risk for the breastfed child.
For continued uncontrolled symptoms, there are also oral allergy medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding.
What Medicines Are Dangerous To Take During Breastfeeding
Sometimes mothers are advised to stop breastfeeding while they are taking some medicines in case they harm the baby. Examples of medicines that are not suitable while you are breastfeeding include:
- some chemotherapy drugs for cancer
- some drugs for heart conditions such as an irregular heart rhythm
- lithium for some mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder
- injectable medicines used during MRI scans
- some medicines used to treat skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis
Do not assume that herbal medicines and teas are safe while you are breastfeeding. You should always talk to your doctor or midwife before you take a herbal medicine or tea.
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Allergy Treatments Include The Following:
Avoiding allergens: The doctor helps you identify your allergy triggers, and then avoid them. One of most essential thing is to avoid allergies and reduce their symptoms as much as possible.
Medications: Allergy medicines can help ease symptoms depending on your sensitivities.
These medications include: Pills, liquid, nasal sprays or eye dropsThe safest of these forms for a nursing mother are:
- Eye drops: Eye drops designed to relieve cold and allergy symptoms are compatible with breastfeeding.
- Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays are generally compatible with breastfeeding.
Effects Of Benadryl When Breastfeeding
Benadryl doesnt affect the amount of milk your body makes. However, it may decrease the flow of milk from your breasts.
Benadryl can also be passed to your child through your breast milk when you take the pills or use it on your skin. That means Benadryl may cause side effects in children who breastfeed from mothers who take it. Newborns and infants are especially sensitive to antihistamines. The side effects of Benadryl in newborns and infants include:
If youre breastfeeding and considering taking an antihistamine, talk with your doctor first. Your doctor will help you sort out the potential risks to your child. They may suggest taking the dose before bedtime, after youve finished breastfeeding for the day. Your doctor also may recommend an alternative to Benadryl.
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Which Medication Is Best To Take
You might feel a bit overwhelmed now that you know about all the allergy medications that are available to you.
While it may be tempting to stay with the safest top-rated drugs , many mothers need to take medications with a higher lactation rating to find relief. In some cases, they may not take an L1 or L2 drug for medical reasons.
Even though there are not many published studies on L3 medications, its worth noting that they arent necessarily more dangerous.
Most drugs whose safety is better studied in breastfeeding mothers are rated lower.
What Medicines Can I Take While I’m Breastfeeding
Medicines that can be taken while breastfeeding include:
- asthma inhalers
- the painkiller paracetamol you should check with a GP or midwife before taking paracetamol if it’s combined with other medicines
You should check with a GP or midwife before taking any other types of painkillers, such as ibuprofen.
You can use some methods of contraception and some cold remedies, but not all.
You can take some medicines used to treat postnatal depression, but always check with a GP, your midwife, health visitor or a pharmacist, who can advise you.
It’s fine to have dental treatments, local anaesthetics, routine vaccinations and most operations. Check with your GP if it’s safe for you to have the coronavirus vaccine.
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