Your question: Is Benadryl safe to take while breastfeeding?

It’s generally safe to use. However, Benadryl can pass through breast milk and affect your child. So, it’s not the best choice if you’re breastfeeding. Learn how Benadryl works, how using it can affect your baby, and alternatives that may be safer.

How long does it take for Benadryl to get out of breast milk?

One old study that used a biologic assay system reported that after a 100 mg intramuscular dose of diphenhydramine in four women, drug levels in milk were undetectable in two and 42 and 100 mcg/L in two others at one hour after the dose.

What allergy medicine can I take 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 Benadryl harm your baby?

Potential harm to baby

However, several recent medical studies have found that diphenhydramine doesn’t cause these or any abnormalities at birth at all. This research shows that taking Benadryl at any stage of your pregnancy, even the first trimester, is safe.

Which oral antihistamines are safe to use while 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.

How long does Benadryl stay in the body?

For the average healthy adult, elimination half-life ranges from 6.7 to 11.7 hours. So between 6 to 12 hours after taking Benadryl, half the drug will be eliminated from the body. Within two days, the drug will be completely gone from the body.

Can I still breastfeed if I have an allergic reaction?

However, if there is a true allergy or sensitivity, you do not need to wean your baby from the breast. If you change your diet, you and your baby can continue to enjoy breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired.

Can I take an antihistamine while breastfeeding?

All antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in the breast milk and would not cause any adverse effects on a breastfeeding infant.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while 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.

Does Claritin dry up breast milk?

Claritin is one allergy medicine that has been studied during breastfeeding, and it’s shown to pass only marginally into breastmilk. Do note, however, that Claritin-D contains pseudoephedrine and can reduce milk supply.

Why can’t infants have Benadryl?

Therefore, Benadryl is not safe for infants as a general rule. This is because the active ingredient diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, which can be dangerous to children younger than two. Because Benadryl is an antihistamine, it can cause serious or even fatal side effects in infants.

How much Benadryl can a pregnant woman take?

When you’re pregnant you can take the same dose of Benadryl as before pregnancy. For standard Benadryl, that means no more than 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours for an adult. Some small, older studies suggested that taking Benadryl the first trimester of pregnancy could lead to a slightly higher risk of birth defects.

Can I give my 6 month old Benadryl?

Benadryl is generally not safe to give to babies or infants under 2 years old at home. Sometimes, people can safely give infants aged 2 to 5 small doses of Benadryl, but only when a doctor advises them to do so. Specific child-friendly Benadryl is available for children aged 6 and above.

What can I take for sleep while breastfeeding?

The sleeping pills Ambien and Lunesta are considered safe to use for occasional use while breastfeeding because very little of the drug gets into the breast milk and reaches the baby. (Consult your doctor before taking any medications while nursing.)

Are decongestants safe while breastfeeding?

Decongestants. Both pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are generally considered to be safe for the breastfed baby, but pseudoephedrine may reduce milk supply.

What can a breastfeeding mom take for a cold?

Tylenol, or acetaminophen and Advil,or ibuprofen are approved for use while breastfeeding. Benadryl and other allergy medications may reduce your milk supply and also may make the baby drowsy.