what antihistamines are safe when you're still breastfeeding?

[Heathcliffscathy]

has there already been a thread about this? i can't find it

I'm going to assume it's the same one's you can take when you're pregnant, but unfortunately those all make me really drowsy! Piriton is the one I'm using just now. But even when I half the recommended dose, it still knocks me out!

Cetirizine (trade name - zirtek) is better in breastfeeding than piriton. There is a risk of drowsiness and therefore poor feeding with piriton. Cetirizine is a "non-sedating" antihistamine and only low levels are found in breast milk. You can buy it over the counter although I don't think they will sell it to you if they know you are breastfeeding (something to do with the product license).

Would agree wihth you, toothache, Piriton is all the GP would give me, does make me tired though!

JuA - Does that mean I can take it in pregnancy then?

I was presribed pollen tablets from my GP in my last pregnancy and didn't suffer with Hay Fever much at all. Never got around to getting them this time and apparently they only work if you start taking them before the allergy kicks in!

Previous thread .

thanks zebra did you used to be grumpy and aren't anymore, or was that someone else?

Twas me, but the mood has somewhat improved .

yay

I looked it up on the net for Rhubarb and Tom Hale (the expert on breastfeeding and medication) said Clarityn was 'just fine' to take. HTH!

Toothache - I am not sure about cetirizine in pregnancy. I will try and find out for you and post later. I think piriton is the safest - what trimester are you in because that can make a difference.

My american doctor prescribed my Clarityn while I was pregnant and when I was bfing. And Americans are even stricter about drugs and pregnancy (lawsuits!) than the english. It's great for hayfever and doesn't make you drowsy.

Dino - I haven't yet... but I will. I've swigging down DS's baby Piriton!! I bought some herbal stuff yesterday in Tescos. It's fine to take in the last 5mths on pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding. So I'll give that a go.

JuA - I'm just coming up to 32wks pg (OMG!!).

Went to my GP yesterday and although I am only breastfeeding a little (DS 13 months - he loves it before bedtime!!!) he recommended me to have nothing but Piriton. I was so careful during both my pregnancies and when breast feeding earlier that I won't risk it. There is obviously some reason as to why there is differing opinion. Until then I will use Beconase nasal spray and eye drops!!

Another vote for Piriton