Can i take hayfever tablets when breastfeeding

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So if you are a breastfeeding mom suffering from seasonal allergies, how can you find out which medications are fine, and which are the few that are off limits? First, it's always advisable to contact your doctor or your baby's pediatrician.

The AAP also notes that there is a fabulous resource out there for breastfeeding mothers and their providers: LactMed is a free, government-sponsored online database that compiles the latest data and studies about medications and how they affect breastfeeding moms and their babies. There's even an app for it—total game-changer for breastfeeding moms on the go. For more specifics on the kind of allergy medications that are most appropriate for breastfeeding moms, we spoke with Sylvia Romm, M.

Romm explains there are three things breastfeeding moms should consider when it comes to allergy medications:. As far as antihistamines, Dr. Romm says that first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine Benadryl and chlorpheniramine Chlor-Trimeton are least preferred because they can cause moms to become more tired than usual, which she says may make it "difficult or even dangerous to take care of your baby.

But don't fret: Dr. Romm says second- and third-generation medications such as loratadine Claritin and fexofenadine Allegra are fine to take. They are a better choice than Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton because they are less likely to make mothers tired and sedated. Aspirin Low doses of aspirin, less than mg daily, are considered safe to take. Larger doses should be avoided as they may be harmful to your breastfed infant.

Medications containing codeine Medications containing codeine are no longer recommended for pain relief in breastfeeding mothers. Codeine metabolises to morphine in the body and a small number of people produce higher than expected morphine levels in their blood resulting in an increased risk of transfer to the infant via the breastmilk. Alternative pain control medicines as mentioned above are recommended. Cold and influenza flu. Body aches and pain See above analgesics Nasal symptoms Steams inhalations and saline sodium chloride nasal spray may be used to relieve a blocked nose while breastfeeding.

Decongestant nasal sprays oxymetazoline, xylometazoline may be used for 3 to 5 days. Avoid oral preparations containing pseudoephedrine as it may reduce milk production or cause irritability in a breastfed baby.

Cough A cough is usually self-limiting. If treatment is required, use guaifenesin, bromhexine or senega and ammonia mixture for a chesty cough. A cough suppressant like pholcodine or dextromethorphan is considered safe for a dry cough. Avoid combination preparations containing pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine — always ask your pharmacist what is in a medicine. Sore throat Lozenges or throat gargles containing local anaesthetic, antibacterial agents or benzydamine may be used while breastfeeding.

Avoid products containing povidone-iodine e. Influenza vaccine Breastfeeding mothers may continue to breastfeed after immunisation with influenza flu vaccine. Allergies and hayfever — Antihistamines.

Non-drowsy antihistamines such as loratadine, desloratadine and fexofenadine are present in very small amounts in breastmilk and are considered safe to use whilst breastfeeding. Drowsy antihistamines such as cetirizine, dexchlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine may make your baby drowsy, so less sedating antihistamines are preferred.

Nasal sprays containing beclomethasone, fluticasone or budesonide may be used while breastfeeding. 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.