Breastfeeding & Allergy Medications

Allergy symptoms are uncomfortable, and the breastfeeding mother might be looking for relief from over-the-counter and prescription medications. Generally, allergy medications are safe for the breastfeeding mother and pose no risk to her baby. Taking the medication at a certain time and choosing the correct medication can help reduce transference, though.

Identification

Allergy medications used to treat common symptoms include antihistamines, cromolyn, inhalant bronchodilators, cortisone sprays and tablets and decongestants.

Effects

"The Breastfeeding Answer Book" and www.askdrsears.com say that these medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers. The only adverse effect noted is increased irritability in newborns whose moms take high doses of theophyliline; however, this effect wasn't noticed in babies older than six months. Also, breastfeeding mothers should take albuterol-containing bronchodilators through inhalation and not orally, www.askdrsears.com says.

Benefits

Breastfeeding could actually help a mother's allergy symptoms, according to www.askdrsears.com. The longer a mother breastfeeds, the less likely it is that her child will develop allergies, which generally tend to run in families. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which is a natural stress-releasing hormone. Because some allergy flare-ups and symptoms can be caused by stress, breastfeeding could also offer a mother further protection from symptoms.

Warning

Though allergy medications are generally safe, "The Breastfeeding Answer Book" claims that the younger a baby is, the harder time his body will have eliminating the drug from his system. Premature babies will have a harder time. Also, the heavier a baby is, the better he will be able to get rid of a drug the mother is taking.

Considerations

"The Breastfeeding Answer Book" says that while most drugs do pass to the mother's milk, it's usually only about one or two percent of the mother's dose. Because the dosage is so small, there are few reports of actual adverse reactions to drugs while a mother in breastfeeding.

Time Frame

Though the risks of allergy medication aren't adverse, to further assure that her baby doesn't get as much allergy medication, the breastfeeding mother could take the medication right after feeding her baby. That way, she can feed the baby before the medication is absorbed, and then she will have two or three hours---depending on how often the baby is eating---for the medication to clear her system. If the medication is a once daily medication, "The Breastfeeding Answer Book" suggests taking the medication right before the baby's longest sleep period of the day.