Quick medication question re breastfeeding

[3LB]

Does anyone know if I can take zirtek tablets (anti-histamines) and flixonase steroid nasal spray for my hayfever whilst I am breastfeeding? I know there have been a lot of these threads lately, but can't recall these particular medicines being mentioned.
I would ask my pharmacist, but he will say ask GP. I would ask GP, but as he said I could not take ADs whilst breastfeeding, I don't think he will necessarily know the answer
TIA

I don't think you can take either if breast feeding \link{http://www.mypharmacy.co.uk/medicines/medicines/z/zirtek/zirtek_allergy.htm\Zirtek information}and \link{http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100004882.html\flixonase}

Oh crap.

Pharmacist in Boots looked it up and said zirtek only passes into milk in small amounts, but that manufacturers urge caution, as with everything.
My consultant had said I could take both in pregnancy, so had hoped it would be ok now.

Thanks beep

I also asked my local Pharmacist and she said there was nothing I can take whilst breastfeeding ... the only thing that helps me is wearing large sunglasses all the time when out !

My pharmacist has told me that such a tiny amount passes into milk, that most are ok. She gave me the own brand ones, but can't remember what they are. I know thats not really any help, sorry, but there are lots out there that you can take.

I've just spoken to the drugline at the Breastfeeding Network about exactly this, and its all a conspiracy. Drugs companies are not legally obliged to advise on the effects of any drug on breastmilk so they tend to advise against as a precaution. She told me I can take Zirtec and also suggested I talk to my gp again armed with this \link{http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/pdfs/Treatment%20of%20hayfever%20during%20breastfeeding.pdf\info}

That said, don't take anything just on what I've said as I'm completely confused because I thought Zirtec was the one you definitely couldn't take and was expecting to be told to take one of the drowsy ones e.g. Piriton, so I'm going to continue rubbing my eyes until I've talked it through with the gp again.

Good luck!

Cetirizine is OK to take whilst breasfeeding - only low levels pass into breast milk. \link{http://www.ukmicentral.nhs.uk/drugpreg/antihistamines.asp\this} is a reliable site with the info.

Just as an aside - just because something is safe to take whilst pregnant it doesn't mean it is OK to take if breastfeeding. When you are pregnant it is your kidneys/liver metabolising/excreting the drug, when you are breastfeeding anything your baby gets she/he has to excrete themselves.