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.

2. Potentially Dangerous

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

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.

4. Usually Safe

Generally safe medication to take in regular doses.