Breastfeeding and Zyrtec

I just had this question myself. With my first son, my doctor prescribed it while I was nursing, and things were fine (the baby was 12 months and not nursing much). But this time around, with my five-month-old, I noticed it decreased my milk supply, so I stopped taking it. Which is too bad, because Zyrtec works so well! So my advice would be to try something else first before you try Zyrtec, and if you have to take it, watch your milk supply or take other measures to make up for a decrease.

Here's a link to a wonderful website w/ lots of great info about all things breastfeeding, including meds that are compatible:
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/cold-remedy.html#anti...
And here's a quote:
"Zyrtec is also generally considered to be compatible with breastfeeding. It is commonly used by nursing moms, although its levels in milk are not known. Hale rates Zyrtec in the lactation risk catagory L2 (safer).

A common concern is that antihistamines might lower milk supply but, per Dr. Thomas Hale, there is no current research supporting this belief. If you feel that your supply has decreased, it could simply be a byproduct of decreased nursing frequency or dehydration due to your illness.

If you feel that a medication is the cause of a sudden drop in milk supply, then stop taking (or decrease your use of) the medication - if the med is indeed the cause, then supply should increase again soon after you stop taking it. When using an antihistamine, it can be helpful to step up your fluid intake quite a bit. As with any medication, take it only as needed, and discontinue use as soon as you can."

Here's a link to a thread specific to Zyrtec on Dr. Thomas Hale's forum on breastfeeding and meds (the author of Medications and Mother's Milk):
http://66.230.33.248/discus/messages/44/56508.html?###-##...#

Best wishes!!
A.

It is my understanding that you should not take Zyrtec while breastfeeding. You can take Calritin until you stop nursing. I did and it was ok. Hope this helps..

-M.

I had allergies so bad that they did two surgeries on me. Nothing they did helped me, and I finally took my health into my own hands. I stopped eating or drinking anything with milk products in it and cut way down on wheat/flour products. I also learned Quantum Touch and EFT (see my profile) which got rid of them. You read the side effects on the drugs you're taking and decide if you want those to be the risks toward your baby. That will also help you decide to find an alternative way to heal yourself as well. Those things are good if your life is on the line and you need to risk your life to save your life, right? But we really have to take a look at how much of our power over our own lives we are giving away to companies that tell us we can't be safe unless we give them our money. I know this may sound very hard to stomach.

But I would love for YOU to be completely healed as I was, as I know it is possible for everyone. I've seen a woman who had incurable cancer (3 months to live) be cured with these techniques. That was almost 2 years ago, and she is working as a nurse now.

Love, L.

Hi M.- i have just looked on a bottle of a generic for zrtec (by the way they have a generic (aller-tec) right next to the zrtec which is now available at costco for a fraction of the price- same ingredient,although you should not be using it while breastfeeding. I have just read the warnings on the bottle and it says do not use if breastfeeding. You can verify this information by contacting your local pharmacist or your doctor. If you contact your pharmacist/doctor they may be able to recommend something you can take for allergies that is safe. If you are taking this medication i would stop immediately. It is very important that when taking any medication while breastfeeding that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. Have a great day- L.

Dr. Jack Newman has some really great articles on his website, drjacknewman.com that talk about all the things you actually can do while you're breastfeeding and most of the things we "can't" do are actually not harmful and just myths. I'd visit the site and check it out. You might be happy to know you can do a lot while nursing your baby.

I don't know about zyrtec, but my OB said that Clartin is okay, it is a grade B drug, ask you OB- allergy relief is so necesary
take care

You are not take supposed to take Zyrtec if you are breastfeeding. I had the same problem last year during allergy season and went as far as getting the prescription filled only to find out on the bottle that you're not supposed to use it. I don't think it harms the baby at all but they say it could dry up your milk. I do believe Benadryl is okay though. Good luck!

M.,

have you thought about trying natural things instead? it is much better for you and your baby. we have a juice that we love that takes away our allergy symptoms. let me know if you are interested and i can give you more info.

good luck to you,

G. RN

I have been an allergy patient for over 20 years. I was put on zyrtec five years ago. My doctor had me continue taking it through both of my pregnancies and while breastfeeding. I can take up to 20mg a day (two pills- one in the morning and one at night). I go to Allergy and Asthma Associates of Northern CA. Give them a call if you need more advice.

Call your local pharmacy. They should be able to tell you.

Yes, my son was put on Zyrtec before age 1 for allergies and exzema because it is safe for babies.

Hi M.,
I too have allergies. My doctor told me that Zyrtec was one of the "safe" ones to take. I actually take benedryl on a daily basis and have been either pregnant or breastfeeding for the past 2+ years.
Ask your doctor though if you are still questioning it.
J.

I take Zyrtec daily only becuase I only nurse my baby at night now. She is 13-months old, so she does not need day time nursing sessions. I held off taking my allergy meds while I was nursing or pumping all of the time. My doctor said would be fine to take it, but I read the drug infor on webmd or some site like that and it said nursing mothers should not take it. Though I take Zyrtec D. Regular Zyrtec may be fine. Just Google Zyrtec and you should find drug info. I was suprised to read that the drug company itself rocommended not to take while nursing.

Certain medications can affect a baby. You should consult your doctor. Some medicines are safe and others are not. Most labels always mention about breastfeeding moms should talk to a doctor to make sure if its safe. If not a pharmacist.

a pharmacist would know

they are very helpful and know everything about medicines and interactions; their information is free and in my experience they are always happy to help
If you can get through to your Dr, he or she should also know but those pharmacists are excellent!!!!!!
Good luck

B.

I asked my allergist about it because he recommended it, and he said it was the safest to take. I'm taking with no problems to her or me. Good Luck!

It is safe, but it also has a propensity to decrease your milk supply. I used it with my dtr and she's a healthy 2 year old now. It did decrease my milk supply a little, but there are other ways to build it back up: fenugreek, oatmeal, etc. You'll need to weigh the pros and cons for yourself. Happy nursing!

I'm pretty sure that it passes through milk and is NOT safe to take while nursing or pregnant. I was at the allergist last week, and he suggested either Clairitin during the day or Benadryl at night. I wouldn't take anything at all unless you talk to your doctor first.

M.,
According to the zytrec customer care center (phone 1-800-343-7805) it is not recomended for nursing mothers. Amanda