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is it safe to take zyrtec while breastfeeding

by Shaniya Haley Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include: Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the preferred antihistamine when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra Claritin, and Xyzal.Mar 3, 2021

What drugs are safe to take while breastfeeding?

Safe options to take while breastfeeding include: Claritin ( loratadine): Claritin is safe to use based on supporting data but may have a negative effect on your milk... Zyrtec ( cetirizine): Zyrtec is safe in occasional, small doses, but in large doses, it can reduce milk supply. 8 Allegra Allergy ...

Is Flexeril safe to take while breastfeeding?

However, Flexeril is chemically very similar to tricyclic antidepressants, and some of those drugs are known to pass into breast milk. Because of that, nursing mothers should be cautious about using this drug and stay away from it if possible.

Is Zoloft okay to take while breastfeeding?

Zoloft is considered one of the safer antidepressants to use during breastfeeding. The levels of sertraline, the main component in Zoloft, that are found in breast milk are comparatively low to other antidepressants.

Is it safe to take azithromycin while breastfeeding?

Azithromycin (Zithromax) is an antibiotic that can help treat certain bacterial infections. It is generally safe to use while breastfeeding, but people with existing heart conditions should avoid this drug. Azithromycin is an antibiotic in the macrolides class. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved azithromycin in 1991.

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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.

Can Zyrtec affect milk supply?

Antihistamines are the medication of choice for these symptoms and are considered safe for your baby and your milk supply. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the preferred antihistamine when breastfeeding.

What antihistamine can I take while breastfeeding?

Non-sedating antihistamines are the preferred choice for a breastfeeding mother: Loratadine (Clarityn®) (Powell 2007, Hilbert 1997), Cetirizine (Zirtek®, BecoAllergy®, Piriteze®, Benadryl®) reaches low levels in breastmilk and is recommended by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Powell 2007)

Will allergy medicine dry up breast milk?

Studies show some nasal decongestants, though considered safe to take while breastfeeding, have been shown to decrease milk supply. Therefore, avoid allergy medications that are combined with a decongestant whenever possible.

What helps with allergies while breastfeeding?

The popular breastfeeding site, KellyMom.com (which is run by an international board-certified lactation consultant) reminds breastfeeding moms that saline nasal spray and eye drops designed for cold/allergy symptom relief are considered safe for breastfeeding moms, and may help relieve some of their symptoms.

Is Zyrtec OK while pregnant?

Many allergy medications really aren't safe to take during pregnancy. But loratadine (found in Claritin®) and cetirizine (found in Zyrtec® and Alleroff®) are two over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine medications that doctors consider as being safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, Dr. Zanotti says.

How long does antihistamine stay in breastmilk?

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 are the side effects of Zyrtec?

Common side effects may include:drowsiness, tiredness;dizziness, feeling light-headed;feeling hot, sweating;numbness, tingling, burning pain;decreased sense of taste;headache;upset stomach, nausea, constipation; or.dry mouth, sore throat.

What medications decrease milk supply?

Certain medications decrease milk supply, including medications containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Zyrtec D, others). Your health care provider might also caution against certain types of hormonal contraception, at least until breast-feeding is firmly established. Avoid alcohol and nicotine.

What medicine dries up breast milk?

Taking drugs such as Cabergoline or Dostinex® to stop breast milk works best for mothers who have not been breastfeeding for long.

Why am I not producing enough milk all of a sudden?

Sudden drops in milk supply can be caused by stress, diet, hormonal imbalances, and some medical conditions. Eating healthy and taking supplements can improve your milk supply. Stress management and self care will help you avoid sudden drops in milk production.

What are the side effects of Zyrtec?

Common side effects may include:drowsiness, tiredness;dizziness, feeling light-headed;feeling hot, sweating;numbness, tingling, burning pain;decreased sense of taste;headache;upset stomach, nausea, constipation; or.dry mouth, sore throat.

What is the FDA approved name for c etirizine?

Its g eneric name is c etirizine and it is in FDA Drug Category B. Doctors typically suggest Zyrtec for patients with seasonal allergies, but Zyrtec can also be used as a complementary treatment for patients with food allergies and/or asthma.

Can you take Zyrtec while breastfeeding?

Safety During Breastfeeding: Zyrtec passes from mother to infant in breast milk, but there are no reports of negative side effects in breastfeeding infants. Clinical studies in lab rats revealed impaired fetal growth when mother rats took Zyrtec while breastfeeding, but the same effect has not been reported in the human population.

Is Zyrtec safe for pregnant women?

The drug has been on the market for more than 10 years, and there have been no reports of negative reactions in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Does Zyrtec affect fertility?

Trying to Conceive: Fertility testing on lab rats showed no effect on male or female fertility when taking Zyrtec. Pregnancy: There are no reports of negative side effects, pregnancy complications or fetal complications in pregnant patients taking Zyrtec.

Can you take two doses of Zyrtec at the same time?

Do not take two doses of Zyrtec at the same time. Keep in mind, Zyrtec can alter thinking and reaction time, so take extra caution when driving or performing duties that require alertness. Clinical studies report altered alertness in some, but not all patients taking Zyrtec.

Can you take zyrtec while pregnant?

Zyrtec can be taken during pregnancy, but you should contact your doctor/midwife as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Zyrtec should be taken at the same time each day, but if you miss a dose, take a pill as soon as possible. If you remember near the time when the next dose is scheduled, you can skip the missed dose.

Can I use Zyrtec while breastfeeding?

Having the baby in your arms after pregnancy gives you great fulfillment. But it brings with it a number of new responsibilities, which could be enormous. Stress and anxiety can be stressful and lead to depression.

What is Zyrtec?

Zyrtec contains the active ingredient cetirizine, which is an anti-histamine (that causes allergy symptoms.) Thus, cetirizine relieves allergy symptoms.

Reasons for using Zyrtec

When you visit your doctor, he will prescribe this medicine for you if you suffer from allergy symptoms. And you must follow the doses approved by the doctor, and Zyrtec is used in the following cases :

Precautions before using Zyrtec

If a mother is breastfeeding, she must tell the doctor to prescribe another alternative treatment for Zyrtec. In general, before using Zyrtec, you must know the cases in which it is prohibited, which are as follows:

How to use Zyrtec

Usually, the doctor prescribes the use of Zyrtec once a day, preferably in the evening.

Negative effects of Zyrtec

Zyrtec may cause some side effects for some persons. And its side effects include:

Zyrtec while Breastfeeding

And after exposing the most important information about Zyrtec, we must remind you that it is not recommended to use it during the breastfeeding period, since it is one of the medicines that reaches the infant through breast milk.

Can antihistamines affect prolactin?

Antihistamines in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women. [6] [7] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by antihistamine pretreatment of postpartum mothers. [6] Whether lower oral doses of cetirizine have the same effect on serum prolactin or whether the effects on prolactin have any consequences on breastfeeding success have not been studied. The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Can you take cetirizine while breastfeeding?

Small occasional doses of cetirizine are probably acceptable during breastfeeding. Larger doses or more prolonged use may cause drowsiness and other effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as pseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established. The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology recommends cetirizine at its lowest dose as a preferred choice if an antihistamine is required during breastfeeding. [1] Cetirizine has been used successfully in cases of persistent pain of the breast during breastfeeding. [2] Ophthalmic use of cetirizine by the mother should pose little risk to the breastfed infant. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.

What is the DrLact score?

Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Is DrLact safe for Zyrtec allergy?

DrLact safety Score for Zyrtec Allergy is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.

Is hydroxyzine a second generation antihistamine?

Second generation antihistamine, drug derived from piperazine and metabol ite of hydroxyzine, with a minimal sedative effect and low toxicity even at higher dose. No short or long-term side effects were found in an infant with a mother who was treated in the first month post delivery for pemphigus (Westermann 2012). Because of a high plasma protein binding capacity, excretion into breast milk seems to be unlikely. The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology and other experts rates it as compatible with breastfeeding (Butler 2014, Powell 2007).

How long did a sex nurse breastfeed her infant?

She breastfed her infant except for 4 hours after the 10 pm oxybate dose and 4 hours after the 2 am dose. She either pumped breastmilk or breastfed her infant just before each dose of oxybate. The infant was exclusively breastfed or breastmilk fed for 6 months when solids were introduced.

Can cetirizine be used for breast pain?

Cetirizine has been used successfully in cases of persistent pain of the breast during breastfeeding. [3] Ophthalmic use of cetirizine by the mother should pose little risk to the breastfed infant. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner ...

Can antihistamines decrease prolactin?

Antihistamines in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women. [8,9] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by antihistamine pretreatment of postpartum mothers. [8] Whether lower oral doses of cetirizine have the same effect on serum prolactin or whether the effects on prolactin have any consequences on breastfeeding success have not been studied. The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Can you take cetirizine while breastfeeding?

Small occasional doses of cetirizine are probably acceptable during breastfeeding. Larger doses or more prolonged use may cause drowsiness and other effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as pseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established.

Do all medications pass into breast milk?

Almost any drug that's present in your blood will transfer into your breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though, in which drugs can become concentrated in breast milk. As a result, every medication must be considered separately.

Does my baby's health and age influence how he or she might be affected by exposure to medication in my breast milk?

Yes. Exposure to medication in breast milk poses the greatest risk to premature babies , newborns, and babies who are medically unstable or have poorly functioning kidneys.

Should I stop breast-feeding while taking medication?

Most medications are safe to take while breast-feeding. Also, the benefit of continuing to take a medication for a chronic condition while breast-feeding often outweighs any potential risks.

What medications are safe to take while breast-feeding?

With your health care provider's input, consider this list of medications found to be safe during breast-feeding. Keep in mind that this isn't a comprehensive list of safe medications.

What if my baby has a reaction?

When you're taking medication, watch your baby for any changes in eating or sleeping habits, fussiness, or a rash. If you notice any change in your baby's behavior, contact his or her doctor.

Why are medications used in the two days after childbirth transfer at very low levels to your infant?

Also, medications used in the two days after childbirth transfer at very low levels to your infant due to the limited volume of breast milk you produce during this time.

How long after birth can you breastfeed?

The risk is lowest for healthy babies 6 months and older, who can move drugs through their bodies efficiently. Women who breast-feed more than one year after childbirth often make relatively smaller quantities of milk. This reduces the amount of medication transferred to breast milk. Also, medications used in the two days after childbirth transfer at very low levels to your infant due to the limited volume of breast milk you produce during this time.

Is Zyrtec safe for breastfeeding?

While taking Zyrtec while breastfeeding is relatively safe for the baby, it can suppress milk supply. Many cold and allergy meds have that effect. I believe Alavert (active ingredient Loratadine) is an alternative that has been proven safe and doesn't seem to affect supply. But be sure it isn't Alavert D-12 - it has Pseudoephedrine that has the drying effect. I checked this info in my "Medications and Mothers' Milk" reference book. While I am not a certified lactation consultant, I am a Breastfeeding Counselor with our local WIC office. I hope this is helpful, and good luck with baby # 2! Your dedication to breastfeeding is wonderful! Your babies will benefit so much from all the good stuff in your milk! Your son already has such an advantage from 5 months of breastmilk. :)

Does Zyrtec cause constipation?

Zyrtec is an antihistamine. All antihistamines have a general "drying" affect, in most cases the significant effect is in the sinuses resulting in the reduction of the most common allergy symptoms. Possible side effects are a result of unintentional drying properties....dry eyes, constipation, reduced milk production. You might try lowering your zyrtec dose if you are taking 10mg, try 5mg or talk to your doctor about if there is a preferred otc antihistamine for you to try that might have a shorter time of action like 6 hours vs 24 hours with the zyrtec. Maybe something the body eliminates more quickly would have a lesser impact on your milk production. Good luck

Is Claritin good for second babies?

It could have played a part . Milk supplys tend to be better with second babies anyway. Also, different allergy meds work with different anithistamines, so perhaps once supply is well established you can try something differnet. Claritin works well.

Can decongestants dry breastmilk?

Could be... anything with any kind of decongestant in it could be drying to all body fluids, including breastmilk. I'm surprised your LC didn't ask you about any kind of drugs you were taking. With baby #2, I'd definitely bring a list to your first session!

What is the best medication for breast feeding?

Motrin (ibuprofen) relieves both pain and inflammation. Motrin is one of the preferred anti-inflammatory medications when breastfeeding because it is processed quickly by the body and does not stay in a mother's milk long. Some medications to avoid while breastfeeding include:

What to consider when deciding which cold and allergy meds to take while breastfeeding?

When deciding which cold and allergy meds to take while breastfeeding consider: The risk the medication might have on your baby. The benefits of the medication for your health. The overall benefits of breastfeeding your baby.

How to reduce the transfer of cold meds to breastmilk?

You can reduce the risk of your cold or allergy meds transferring to your breastmilk by: Using an alternative method of taking the drugs, such as a nasal spray instead of cold and flu tablets for a stuffy nose. Using the lowest appropriate dose to manage your symptoms.

How long does it take for a nasal spray to work?

Flonase and Nasacort are nasal sprays that can help with sinus pressure and congestion. They are considered safe for breastmilk and babies but may take days or weeks to work.

How to know if cold and allergy medicine is safe?

How to Know Which Cold and Allergy Meds Are Safe? Check with your healthcare provider first if you're breastfeeding and plan to take medication. Avoid taking unnecessary medications, such as herbal medications, high-dose vitamins, and unusual supplements. Also, ask your doctor about timing.

What antihistamines are safe for breastfeeding?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the preferred antihistamine when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra Claritin, and Xyzal. Antihistamines such as Zatador are available as eye drops, which help itchy, watery eyes.

What is the best treatment for itchy eyes?

Antihistamines such as Zatador are available as eye drops, which help itchy, watery eyes. A good option for nasal drainage is a saline nasal rinse. These rinses flush out allergens from the nasal passages. This helps to decrease drainage produced.

What is Zyrtec?from verywellfamily.com

Zyrtec ( cetirizine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

What happens if I overdose?from drugs.com

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What other drugs will affect Zyrtec?from drugs.com

Using Zyrtec with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

How long did a sex nurse breastfeed her infant?from drugs.com

She breastfed her infant except for 4 hours after the 10 pm oxybate dose and 4 hours after the 2 am dose. She either pumped breastmilk or breastfed her infant just before each dose of oxybate. The infant was exclusively breastfed or breastmilk fed for 6 months when solids were introduced.

What is the best medicine for a runny nose?from drugs.com

Zyrtec is used in adults and children to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. Zyrtec is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives).

How long does it take for Zyrtec to work?from verywellfamily.com

The traditional Zyrtec tablet starts working in just one hour. The dosage is one small pill, a 10mg tablet, once a day. Zyrtec may cause drowsiness, and you should refrain from drinking alcohol while taking Zyrtec.

How to reduce breast milk after using eye drops?from drugs.com

To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more , then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.

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1.Can Breastfeeding Women Take Zyrtec? - Verywell Family

Url:https://www.verywellfamily.com/can-breastfeeding-women-take-zyrtec-5205119

34 hours ago  · While it is safe to take Zyrtec while breastfeeding, it is important to know that some medication may pass through breastmilk. Studies have shown that a small amount may …

2.Is Zyrtec Safe During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding?

Url:https://www.babymed.com/pregnancy-pregnancy-medical-issues-pregnancy-safety-medications/zyrtec-safe-during-pregnancy-and

22 hours ago  · Safety During Breastfeeding: Zyrtec passes from mother to infant in breast milk, but there are no reports of negative side effects in breastfeeding infants. Clinical studies in …

3.Is it safe to take Zyrtec while breastfeeding? - Trip to …

Url:https://triptomotherhood.com/zyrtec-while-breastfeeding

10 hours ago  · In general, Zyrtec is considered a safe medication for breastfeeding mothers, but some caution is required since it’s side-effects include drowsiness and fatigue – something …

4.Zyrtec while breastfeeding - Breastfeeding topics

Url:https://breastfeedingbest.com/medication/zyrtec-while-breastfeeding/

9 hours ago  · In general, before using Zyrtec, you must know the cases in which it is prohibited, which are as follows: – You should not use Zyrtec while breastfeeding. – Not to use in case of …

5.Is Zyrtec Allergy Safe in Breastfeeding - Dr. Lact

Url:https://drlact.com/drug/34070/zyrtec-allergy-in-breastfeeding

21 hours ago Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Zyrtec Allergy does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers. Most of scientific studies and research papers …

6.Cetirizine use while Breastfeeding | Drugs.com

Url:https://www.drugs.com/breastfeeding/cetirizine.html

8 hours ago  · Three women taking long-term cetirizine 10 mg daily by mouth while exclusively breastfeeding their 5- to 6-month old infants. The mothers reported no adverse effects in their …

7.Breastfeeding and medications: What's safe? - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/breastfeeding-and-medications/art-20043975

2 hours ago  · Yes. Exposure to medication in breast milk poses the greatest risk to premature babies, newborns, and babies who are medically unstable or have problems with kidney …

8.Zyrtec and Breastfeeding - Mamapedia™

Url:https://www.mamapedia.com/article/zyrtec-and-breastfeeding-9190

4 hours ago  · While taking Zyrtec while breastfeeding is relatively safe for the baby, it can suppress milk supply. Many cold and allergy meds have that effect. I believe Alavert (active …

9.Are Cold and Allergy Meds Safe While Breastfeeding?

Url:https://www.webmd.com/baby/cold-and-allergy-meds-safe-while-breastfeeding

19 hours ago Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the preferred antihistamine when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this.

10.Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) - NCBI Bookshelf

Url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501509/

24 hours ago  · Summary of Use during Lactation. Small occasional doses of cetirizine are acceptable during breastfeeding. Larger doses or more prolonged use may cause drowsiness …

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