Zyrtec - yes/no?

[rparker]

Any thoughts on taking Zyrtec (Cetirizine) while breastfeeding? I searched the 2010 version of Hale's on Amazon and he said "yes" and that it is a category L2. I bought a package of generic Zyrtec today, however, and it says "Breastfeeding: not recommended." Which would you go with, Hale or the drug's packaging? My BF-ing children are 8 months (23 pounds) and 3 years (32 pounds, barely nurses) if that makes a difference, not newborns. 

(I currently use Claritin, Benadryl, a neti pot, and prescription strength eye drops. The Claritin isn't working very well at the moment and I can't take Benadryl during the day and still care for 2 children. Allegra is my other option, but I believe it is an L3 so I thought it was better to try Zyrtec first? The package has me a little freaked out now.)

Thanks in advance for any input, even if it's just "I take Zyrtec and my baby is fine" :) 

[Thandiwe]

I can't say one way or the other (no experience), but I feel your pain!  I am in misery these last two days.  My neti pot, eye drops, and other various saline sprays are working over time.  I've resorted to benedryl once yesterday, but it only mildly helped, and then I was exhausted.  I hope you find your answer!  I would go with Hale's recommendations over the box.  Have you checked KellyMom yet?

[Thandiwe]

Here's the KellyMom article which says Zyrtec is fine.  I would trust that, if I were in your shoes.

[hildare]

it's funny... the allegra says something different depending on where you look!  i was told by a pharmacist to take that one! 

i think it may get in your milk (hence the L3) but that it won't decrease your supply.  the other ones can.   i cannot remember right now the source of the decrease in supply info, but i absolutely do remember that the allegra was one that does not decrease (and sounds like you've got a crew to feed!)  <3

[ewe+lamb]

Cetirizine - I'm presuming you're only taking it once a day, it has a long half life, so therefore if you nurse beforehand, or at the point in the day in which your baby will sleep the longest then you should be ok, the Tmax: the point that it is highest in your plasma is 1.7hrs after having taken it.  If you decide to go through with it and take it then just keep an eye on the sleepiness of your baby.

[tibeca]

Note, if you notice a decrease in your supply, half the dose and take it twice a day instead of once. I have found that I can get by with taking as little as 1/4 dose 2 times a day to feel comfortable, but I absolutely cannot miss a dose or I have to go back to a full dose.