What Are Some Alternatives to Benadryl While Breastfeeding?

Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine and is not recommended for breastfeeding moms. It is also among the most popular over-the-counter antihistamines used for relief from allergies. It may already be in your medicine cabinet. However, Benadryl and nursing don’t mix. There may be other allergy medications you can use safely during lactation, though.

Second-generation antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec are generally considered safe for use. These non-sedating antihistamines only pass into breast milk in low levels and don’t have a negative impact on milk production. Always consult your doctor before taking anything while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Why You Should Avoid Benadryl While Breastfeeding

If you’re experiencing allergies while breastfeeding, it may be tempting to reach for an antihistamine to ease your symptoms. While some of these may be safe during breastfeeding, many healthcare professionals warn against taking Benadryl (or diphenhydramine) while nursing. There are two major reasons for this, and both involve a mother’s milk supply.

Benadryl Can Decrease Your Milk Supply

One of the primary concerns about taking Benadryl while nursing is its potential impact on your milk supply. This antihistamine doesn’t stop your body from producing milk, but it can slow the flow of milk from the breasts, making breastfeeding more difficult. [1]

Benadryl Can Pass Into Breastmilk

Another major concern for nursing mothers considering Benadryl is the possibility that some of the medication will pass into the breastmilk, affecting your infant. Babies can be more sensitive to antihistamines like Benadryl. If you breastfeed while taking this medication, your infant may experience the following side effects: [2]

• Drowsiness
• Excitability
• Irritability

Alternatives to Benadryl While Nursing: Other Antihistamines

Both Claritin and Zyrtec have been studied in breastfeeding mothers and have been determined safe for short-term or occasional use. Still, it’s best to ask your doctor or other health care provider before taking these allergy medications.

Claritin

Claritin is generally considered safe for use while breastfeeding, especially at lower doses. Claritin is the brand name for the antihistamine drug loratadine. Studies indicate that Claritin only passes into breast milk in small amounts and does not typically cause infant drowsiness. [3]

How to Safely Take Claritin While Breastfeeding

Since Claritin does pass into the milk supply in small amounts, it’s important to use caution when taking this antihistamine while nursing. Claritin is only recommended for breastfeeding mothers at its lowest dose. Here are some other safeguards to use when taking Claritin while breastfeeding: [4]

• Take the lowest dose of Claritin and don’t take it again until it’s time for the next dose.
• Don’t take Claritin with a decongestant such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), as this will increase its effect on the milk supply.
• Avoid taking any version of Claritin labeled as extra strength, extended release, or sustained release. These may contain higher doses of the medication, which could potentially have a negative impact on breast milk.
• Ask your doctor before taking Claritin and follow their instructions precisely.

Zyrtec

Zyrtec may be another good alternative to Benadryl if you need to take an antihistamine while breastfeeding. Zyrtec is the brand name for the antihistamine medication cetirizine. Studies on the effects of Zyrtec indicate that it is safe for infants in small doses and doesn’t cause sleepiness or sedation in babies. [5]

Zyrtec has even been prescribed for breastfeeding mothers who experience pain during breastfeeding with satisfactory results. Some precautions need to be taken if you choose to take cetirizine while nursing. Always consult your doctor before taking anything while pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Safely Take Zyrtec While Breastfeeding

Higher doses of Zyrtec aren’t recommended during breastfeeding since the medication can pass into breast milk in small amounts. Other safety considerations include:[6]

• Only take the lowest dose of Zyrtec and don’t take it again until it’s time for the next dose.
• Don’t make a habit of taking Zyrtec. Use it only occasionally if necessary.
• Consider using Zyrtec eye drops instead of the oral dose, as this may be a safer option.
• Avoid taking Zyrtec with decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
• Avoid taking extra-strength, extended-release, or sustained-release Zyrtec. These may contain high doses of the medication.

Always talk to your doctor before taking Zyrtec or any other allergy medication.

Allegra

Preliminary studies suggest little to no adverse effects of Allegra (fexofenadine) while breastfeeding. A small percentage of mothers reported irritability in their infants after taking this medication while nursing. [7] More research may be needed. Talk to your doctor before taking Allegra.

Xyzal

According to Drug and Lactation Database, Xyzal (levocetirizine) appears to be safe for breastfeeding mothers.[8] Their recommendation is based on preliminary studies. More research is needed to confirm its safety while nursing. Ask your healthcare provider before taking Xyzal.

Alternatives to Benadryl While Breastfeeding: Natural Remedies

Some mothers of breastfed infants prefer to avoid medications altogether, even over-the-counter medications. This is a valid choice, and there are some natural remedies and preventative measures you can take if you decide to forego antihistamines.

Avoid Known Allergens

It may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to address allergies while breastfeeding may be to avoid anything that you know triggers allergies. This may mean staying indoors on high-pollen days or minimizing contact with cats and dogs as much as possible. This ounce of prevention could go a long way and may remove the need for allergy medications.

Try Nasal Irrigation

Using a neti pot to irrigate your nasal passages may help alleviate allergies. Simply fill the pot, tilt your head over the sink, and breathe through your mouth while pouring the saline solution through one nostril. Repeat the process for the other nostril. You can do this once per day as a preventative measure or on an as-needed basis.

Use Saline Nasal Spray

Saline nasal spray is also available over the counter. This natural remedy is safe for breastfeeding mothers and can be used multiple times per day as needed.

Other Allergy Medications to Avoid While Nursing

Benadryl isn’t the only allergy medication to avoid if you’re nursing. Most experts agree that all first-generation antihistamines and decongestants should be avoided while breastfeeding.

Antihistamines to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Generally, doctors say it’s best to avoid first-generation antihistamines while breastfeeding.. These include: [9]

• Diphenhydramine
• Hydroxyzine
• Promethazine
• Cyproheptadine
• Chlorfineramine
• Tripelinnamine

Other Allergy Medications to Avoid While Breastfeeding

In addition to antihistamines, there are other types of allergy medications to avoid while breastfeeding, particularly oral decongestants. These include: [10]

• Phenylephrine
• Pseudoephedrine

Nasal decongestants taken orally may dry up mother’s milk, so it’s best to avoid them during lactation. Consider nasal irrigation or saline nasal drops instead.

Take Allergy Medications With Caution While Nursing

If you’re breastfeeding, you may be compiling a mental list of safe breastfeeding meds that won’t affect your milk supply. Based on current research, you can add Claritin and Zyrtec to the list. Allegra and Xyzal might also be safe, but there haven’t been enough studies to confirm this with confidence. Always talk to your doctor before taking new medications, especially while breastfeeding.