Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is included in the pregnancy Category B medication list, which implies that the medication is unlikely to pose dangers to infants when taken.

However, Benadryl and breastfeeding are not always compatible. Similarly to other substances, Benadryl’s active components are absorbed in the mammary glands and processed with breast milk. Several reports indicate that the medication can affect the amount of breast milk produced. This requires mothers to discuss with their physicians first prior to taking the medication or if it is necessary to do so. Read on to learn the precautions of taking Benadryl while breastfeeding and whether other drugs are safe to use during this period.

Benadryl and Breastfeeding-- When Is the Combination Safe?

Why Is Benadryl Taken?

Benadryl is an antihistamine that many women need to take in for allergy control. Its active components inhibits histamine reactions in the body, which is manifested through allergy symptoms such as watery eyes and allergic rhinitis. Aside from allergy control, Benadryl is also prescribed as sleep aid. Like other medications, you must consult with a physician before taking Benadryl or generic diphenhydramine medications for allergy control while breastfeeding. Your care provider may prescribe Benadryl alternatives such as loratadine or fexofenadine for allergy control. Their side effects are relatively milder compared to Benadryl’s.

Low Dose Is Safe

Low doses of Benadryl administered during breastfeeding or occasional use is regarded safe. The prescribed low doses transfers a small amount of Benadryl components to breast milk, which indicates little to no pediatric side effects on your baby. In contrast, observable side effects may present on infants breastfeeding from mothers who take high doses of Benadryl daily or with long term Benadryl use such as colic, drowsiness and irritability.

Possible Side Effects

In general, Benadryl administered while breastfeeding is safe although its side effects may affect the breastfeeding process.

First, taking the medication, especially at early postpartum stage, may decrease milk production. Early postpartum stage is the time when breastfeeding has not been properly established since the baby will just begin sucking on mother’s breast. The medication reduces prolactin level, a vital component for milk production.

Minimizing this side effect is possible by limiting Benadryl intake at a single dose after the last breastfeeding session. After some time, milk production will be established since the breastfeeding keeps milk production active.

Besiese those harms in babies as mentioned, possible drowsiness or dizziness may present as side effects in women. Some women present with urination difficulties, headache and dry mouth. These side effects are usually manageable, but several mothers find it bothersome and prompted to use antihistamine alternatives with less significant effects.

Listen to the Doctor

Mothers and primary care providers must discuss medication intake and dosages together with alternatives carefully. The physician will assess the mother’s need to medicate using Benadryl before deciding tapering off the medication or stop breastfeeding instead. In case your physician recommends continuous Benadryl use for treatment, make sure to notice changes or potential side effects on your breastfeeding baby.

The good thing about allergy control is the availability of alternatives that prevent histamine activity. Watch the following videos for natural home remedies and other expert-recommended tips.

Advice and tips from experts:

List of Drugs and Whether They Are Safe to Use When Breastfeeding

1. Dangerous

Drugs under this category are not safe and must be avoided by breastfeeding mothers. Taking this medication requires discussion with physicians for recommended alternatives. Stop breastfeeding temporarily or permanently if you need to take these medications for treatment. To promote milk production in case you want to continue breastfeeding your infant after tapering off from these drugs, pump out breast milk, but discard collected amount.

Drug Name

Brand Name

Use

Antilipemics (excluding resins)

Lipitor, Pravacor, Zocor

Used for cholesterol regulation

Antineoplastics agents

 

Used as cancer treatment

Radioactive iodine

 

Used for hyperthyroidism diagnosis and treatment

Salicyclates (in high doses)

Aspirin

Used as arthritis treatment

Clozapine

Clorazil

Used as anti-schizophrenic medication

Chlorampenicol

 

Used as antibiotic for serious infections

Aspirin (in high doses)

 

Used as anti-arthiritic medication

Gold Salts

Myochrysine

Also an anti-arthiritic drug

Amiodarone

Cordarone

Used as treatment for cardiac problems

Amantadine

Symmetrel

Used for Parkinson’s disease and flu treatment; can decrease milk supply

2. Potentially Dangerous

Breastfeeding moms may be recommended to avoid this drug or take with caution.

Drug Name

Brand Name

Use

Long-acting benzodiazepines

Valium, Librium

Used as anti-anxiety medication and sleep aid

Egotamine

Cafergot

Used as migraine medication

Metronidazole

Flagyl

Used as antibiotic for genital and intestinal infections

Citalopram

Celexa

Used as antidepressant, which can also cause infant drowsiness

Atenolol

Tenormin

Beta blocker used for hypertension treatment and regulating abnormal heart rhythms

Chlorthalidone

 

A diuretic administered as hypertension treatment, which may also reduce milk production

Contraceptives with estrogen content

Loestrin, Ortho-Novum

Used as birth control option; affects milk supply

Fluoxetine

Serafem, Prozac

Anti-depressive drug

Piroxicam

Feldene

Anti-arthritic drug also prescribed for pain relief

Nitrofurantoin

Macrobid

Antibiotics for urinary tract infection; considered safe if the breastfeeding baby is at least a month old

3. Probably Safe

May cause side effects on breastfeeding infants although insignificant compared to other medications. Some cases show allergic reactions among infants feeding from mothers taking this drug.

Drug Name

Brand Name

Use

Antituberculars

INH

Used as tuberculosis treatment

Metoclopramide

Reglan

Used for gastrointestinal issues and milk supply booster, but limited to two-week intake

Fluconazole

Diflucan

Antifungal medication

Spironalactone

Aldactazide, Aldactone

Used as hypertension treatment

Omeprazole

Prilosec

Used as treatment for stomach issues

ACE inhibitors

Benazepril (Lotensin), Enalapril (Vasotec)

Used as hypertension treatment

Anticonvulsants

Dilantin, Depakote, Tegretol

Anti-convulsant and mood stabilizer

Clindamycin

Cleocin

Used as antibiotic for vaginal and abdominal infections

Lorazepam

Ativan

Anti-anxiety drug

Naproxen

Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn

Drugs for pain relief and management; considered safe if the infant is at least a month old

4. Usually Safe

Generally safe medication to take in regular doses.

Drug Name

Brand Name

Use

Corticosteroids

Prednisone

Used as anti-inflammatory medication for joints and other health issues

Antacids

Mylanta, Maalox

Used s relief for upset stomach

Digoxin

Lanoxin

Used as cardiac treatment

Inhalers, corticosteroids and bronchodilators

Vanceril, Albuterol

Anti-asthmatic medications

Heparin

 

Anticoagulant drug

Warfarin

Coumadin

Anticoagulant drug

Thyroid replacement

Synthroid

Used for treating thyroid problems

Magnesium sulfate

 

Used as preeclampsia and eclampsia medication

Lidocaine

Xylocaine

Local anesthetic used for minor stitches

Laxatives

Coclace, Metamucil

Anti-constipation solutions