Claritin and breastfeeding...

[tooticky]

I'm just getting desperate with my seasonal allergies. I've resisted taking anything for it, as I'm still nursing dd (who is now 1 1/2) quite regularily.

I'm at the point now where I'm totally miserable, and am thinking of getting some Claritin to try.

Kellymom seems to say it's ok, so I'm just looking for a bit of confirmation here before I rush out to buy some!

TIA

[My*Scorpio]

Here's the link to the AAP website. The drug is listed under "Loratadine".

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org...s;108/3/776/T6

[kjbrown92]

When I was pregnant and breastfeeding, my allergist said NOT to take the Claritin (at the time, it was still prescription) and only to take prescription nosedrops (I used Beconase). It's a steroid, but they said it's not absorbed into the bloodstream like an ingested medicine, so it wouldn't go through the breastmilk to affect the baby. So I did it as needed with all three of my kids, and found out I didn't really need the Claritin. The doctor said that the nosedrops were more effective anyway, because it was used at the root of the problem (sinuses).

[tooticky]

Thanks for the quick replies...

Looking at the Claritin website it says not to use while lactating. Are they just covering their butts?

I'll check into a nosedrop. I think my doctor gave me one a few months ago.... I'll see what it is.

Hmmm - it's Nasonex which is an L3 (moderately safe according to Kellymom). Anyone use this?

[rootzdawta]

Nasal spray didn't work at all for me. When I was pregnant, and quite miserable I used Claritin on occasion in conjunction with a neti pot and I was able to extend the time when I'd need another Claritin about 4 or 5 days.

I hope you feel better.

[kjbrown92]

I believe that all the nosedrops work the same way. You could call your pharmacist to make sure. Newer medicines say not to use when you're lactating because no one does studies on pregnant or breastfeeding women because of the risks. I think post-thalidomide, no one is going to take those risks anymore.

[kjbrown92]

And Nasonex was what was prescribed by the pediatrician for my 3 year old (of course I couldn't get her to let me spray anything up her nose short of tying her down), so I went back to Zyrtec for her.

[~PurityLake~]

I've been taking Claritin daily since it was prescribed to me during my pregnancy with Abigail.

They are both still nursing and I've had no problems with it. I didn't expect any problems, either, as it is listed as safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

[LaLibertad]

Originally Posted by rootzdawta

Nasal spray didn't work at all for me. When I was pregnant, and quite miserable I used Claritin on occasion in conjunction with a neti pot and I was able to extend the time when I'd need another Claritin about 4 or 5 days.

I hope you feel better.

I second this. I would use Claritin for a few days along with the neti pot until it was a bit more under control, then I could usually tough it out.

I'm going the same route while bf'ing. I don't need another variable keeping me awake at night!

[alysmommy2004]

I take Claritin b/c it's the only thing that works for me during the day and doesn't affect my supply or give me any weird side effects. I've always heard that it's just as safe as Benadryl (which also works for me, just knocks me out).

[lastrid]

Boiron and Hyland's both make a combination allergy remedy that I found to be extremely helpful used in conjunction with a neti pot. Eating local honey helps considerably too.

[willsmomm]

I heard nettle leaf tea in conjuction with a neti pot works wonders. Good luck!