can you take claritin while breastfeeding
Liam Parker
Updated on June 15, 2026
Make sure to take only regular Claritin, containing loratadine with no added ingredients. Antihistamines, which are meant to fight allergies, are safe for a nursing baby, but other ingredients may be best avoided. Claritin-D contains the antihistamine loratadine as well as a decongestant.
What allergy medicine is okay for breastfeeding?
Non-sedating antihistamines (like Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin) are preferred, but this is a medication that is compatible with breastfeeding. Observe your baby for sedation when taking this medication. Brompheniramine (Dimetane): Probably safe (L3).
Can I take Claritin non drowsy while breastfeeding?
Compared to some other antihistamines, loratadine has less chance of causing drowsiness for the person who is breastfeeding or the baby. Loratadine is one of the preferred antihistamines for use during breastfeeding.
Is Claritin OK for pregnancy?
Many allergy medications really aren’t safe to take during pregnancy. But loratadine (found in Claritin®) and cetirizine (found in Zyrtec® and Alleroff®) are two over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine medications that doctors consider as being safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, Dr. Zanotti says.
Can take loratadine while breastfeeding?
Loratadine and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take loratadine while breastfeeding. There is some information available which shows that only tiny amounts get into breast milk. It has been used for many years in breastfeeding women without side effects in their babies.
Can I breastfeed if I have allergy?
If you have been told that your breastfed infant has food allergies, you may be wondering what to do next. Will you be able to continue to breastfeed? You may be surprised to learn that in most cases, the answer is yes.
Do antihistamines affect milk supply?
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Antihistamines in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women. [8,9] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by antihistamine pretreatment of postpartum mothers.
Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?
However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.
Can you take Reactine while breastfeeding?
Claritin or Reactine is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Benadryl is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Which cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding?
Safe cold medicine while breastfeeding
In general, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, NSAID pain relievers, acetaminophen, and second-generation allergy medications such as Zyrtec and Claritin are considered safe options for treating cold symptoms while breastfeeding.
How long does Claritin take to work?
How long does it take for Claritin® to work? For most people, Claritin® begins working within three hours after taking it.
Is Claritin a decongestant?
Claritin D (loratadine and pseudoephedrine) is a combination antihistamine and decongestant used to treat allergies, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure. Claritin D is available over-the-counter and in generic versions.
Can I take Claritin and Tylenol together?
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Claritin and Tylenol. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Who should not take Claritin?
Who should not take CLARITIN?
liver failure.liver problems.moderate to severe kidney impairment.
What should you not take with Claritin?
Some medications that may interact with Claritin include:
amiodarone (Pacerone)carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR, Epitol)cimetidine (Tagamet)darunavir (Prezista)dasatinib (Sprycel)erythromycin (Erygel, Eryped)ketoconazole.midodrine (ProAmatine)
Is loratadine the same as Claritin?
Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Claritin blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that initiates allergic symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and allergic skin rashes. Claritin is available as a generic drug.