Allergy Meds While Breastfeeding???

[AmyBoz]

Anyone know what allergy meds I can take while nursing? I gotta get some relief!!!

[MissSeetonFan]

Dr Sears site has this to say:

My allergies and asthma really get me down. What medicines can I safely take while I'm breastfeeding?

When illnesses get you down, you'll have a hard time maintaining a good milk supply and taking care of your baby. It's good to do something about your symptoms, rather than thinking you must suffer through them because you are breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is important when, as in your case, there are allergies in the family. The longer you breastfeed the less likely your child is to inherit your allergies, and breastfeeding may also decrease your own allergy symptoms for a while. Stress can trigger or aggravate asthma and allergies. Breastfeeding stimulates your natural tranquilizing hormones, which may, in turn, reduce the severity of your allergies.

The prescription and over-the-counter allergy medications commonly used to treat allergy symptoms are safe to take while breastfeeding. These include: antihistamines , inhalant bronchodilators , cromolyn , decongestants , and cortisone sprays and tablets. Temporary irritability has been reported in newborns of mothers taking high doses of theophylline , yet this medication is considered safe to take while breastfeeding the infant over six months. Actually, newer and safer albuterol -containing inhalants have replaced most of the theophylline- containing medicines in the treatment of asthma . Unless your doctor has a good reason for suggesting otherwise, it's better for nursing mothers to take albuterol-containing bronchodilators by inhalation rather than orally. Inhalant bronchodilators work better and have fewer side effects, and less of the medication is absorbed into the maternal blood stream, so that there will be less in the milk.

ALLERGY MEDICATIONS

When in doubt, you can always ask your local pharmacy or the lactation consultant at the hospital.

Good luck!

[FrabjousDay]

I used Zyrtec while nursing.

kellymom.com :: Cold Remedies Compatible with Breastfeeding

[wanderlusting]

My doctor and my twins' pediatrician told me I could take Zyrtec. But no Flonase

However I never did because they warned me it could dry up my supply.

[nuisance26]

~I know Benadryl is safe because that's what's always been recommended to me while pregnant or nursing. It doesn't work for me though. I specifically asked about Dimetap(the children's allergy formula, works for me)and was told that was ok too.
I think the only thing you really have to be cautious about is if your baby is on medication that could cause an interaction. Otherwise, OTC stuff is good.
For more peace of mind you can time your dosage to make the least impact on your milk. Take your medication immediately after feeding and a lot of the medication will be out of your system by the next feeding. The baby will still get a bit of medication but just a smidge.
It's not like pregnancy where the chemicals/medications/alcohol the mom is exposed to are amplified for the growing baby. Breastmilk will only show traces of mom's exposure.~

[shoiji]

You might also want to try the neti-pot. It helps to keep allergens out of the nasal passages. So far I have only had to use allergy medication two times since using the neti-pot. Otherwise I am usually taking medication all the time until after the 4th of July.