Can you take antihistamines while breastfeeding

Pseudoephedrine: effects on milk production in women and estimation of infant exposure via breastmilk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. Be very cautious about taking pseudoephedrine on a regular basis, as it has the potential to permanently decrease your milk supply. Monitor your infant for possible drowsiness if you use this type of antihistamine. The non-sedating antihistamines below are generally preferred and are less likely to sedate baby.

The ingredients of Claritin, Claritin-D, Clarinex, Allegra, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec are generally regarded to be compatible with breastfeeding again — always double-check the active ingredients. Loratadine Claritin has been studied and the amount of loratadine that passes into breastmilk is extremely low. Claritin-D and Allegra-D have the decongestant pseudoephedrine added see above about possible effect on milk supply. Hale has said that he prefers the non-sedating antihistamines even though they are long-acting over the sedating allergy medications.

Training by Specialty. Mental health and illness. Publications by Care Setting. Publications by Specialty. Diabetes Gastrointestinal disorders Infection and infectious diseases Mental health and illness Musculo-skeletal disorders Neurological disorders Public Health Radiology Reproductive health Sexual health Skin disorders. Home Guidance Safety in breastfeeding. Which oral antihistamines are safe to use whilst breastfeeding? Studies of the non-sedating antihistamines, loratadine and cetirizine, show low levels of transfer into breast milk and these would be considered the preferred choice antihistamines for a breastfeeding mother.

Limited data suggests the transfer of fexofenadine into breast milk is low and could be considered acceptable where loratadine and cetirizine are either ineffective or contraindicated. Although there is no specific evidence for the use of the other non-sedating antihistamines during breastfeeding, based on pharmacology and the evidence available for other non-sedating antihistamines, problems would not be anticipated.

Therefore, their use would be considered acceptable during breastfeeding, with caution. The use of sedating antihistamines may cause adverse effects in the breastfed infant such as drowsiness and irritability. However, it's safest if you get advice from your pharmacist, GP or health visitor first. This advice applies to mothers of full-term, healthy babies. Always get advice from your GP before taking any medicine if you're breastfeeding and your baby:.

When you seek advice from your pharmacist, GP or health visitor they will take into account factors such as:. If you take hay fever medicine while you're breastfeeding, you should take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time, unless your healthcare professional gives you other advice.

Try topical treatments first. These are medicines that you don't need to swallow such as nasal sprays and eyedrops. Corticosteroid nasal sprays help to unblock your nose and sinuses.