Benadryl is an over-the-counter (OTC) syrup commonly used by people to alleviate the symptoms of cough or as an antihistamine to improve the symptoms of skin irritation.
However, maintain caution as Benadryl while breastfeeding may be unsafe as it has mild sedative properties and may pass into the baby through the breastmilk. Keep reading this post to know whether or not can you take Benadryl while breastfeeding, its ingredients, safety, side effects, and alternatives for nursing mothers.
Key Pointers
- Benadryl is an antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions, skin irritation, and rashes.
- Occasional use of Benadryl is safe with medical advice but should not be used for 3 to 4 weeks after delivery as it may affect lactation.
- The drug may cause side effects such as irritability and drowsiness in the nursing baby.
- Alternatives to Benadryl, such as nasal sprays, ginger-honey tea, and warm gargles, are safer remedies for managing allergy symptoms while breastfeeding.
- It is highly recommended to consult a doctor before taking any Benadryl while breastfeeding.
What Is Benadryl?
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Benadryl is an over-the-counter (OTC) brand of medicines sold to treat a variety of conditions ranging from coughing to skin allergies. It is available in topical and oral forms. Topical Benadryl is used for treating skin allergy symptoms such as skin rashes and itching. Oral Benadryl is available as capsules, chewable tablets, and syrup that are used for treating cold, cough, and allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy throat, etc.
A variant of Benadryl syrup is also used specifically to provide relief from cough and soothe a sore throat.
What Are The Ingredients Of Benadryl?
The primary, active ingredient of most Benadryl products is diphenhydramine. It belongs to a class of compounds called antihistamines, which are used to relieve a wide range of allergy symptoms (1). Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a molecule within the body responsible for triggering allergy symptoms.
The body absorbs diphenhydramine from Benadryl either through the skin or the stomach depending on the mode of administration. Blood carries diphenhydramine to different parts of the body, including the breast tissue, from where it can find its way into breast milk.
Is It Safe To Have Benadryl When Breastfeeding?
If you are wondering ‘can I take benadryl while breastfeeding,’ the answer is yes. But here is something you need to know before using Benadryl when you are lactating.
- A single occasional dose is safe: A single dose of Benadryl, such as before bedtime and after the last feed of the day, is unlikely to cause any problems for the baby (2). Diphenhydramine is one of the older or first-generation antihistamines that rarely cause any serious medical problems among breastfeeding babies, especially when the dosage is minimal and occasional (3).
- May affect when lactation is not established: Medical experts state that a dose of diphenhydramine may cause problems to the baby and the mother if lactation is not established (2). It takes about 4-6 weeks for the baby and the mother’s body to get used to breastfeeding (4). So it is best not to have Benadryl unless your baby is 4-6 weeks old. However, the appropriate age may vary, and it is best to consult a doctor before you take the medicine.
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- A combination with some drugs may cause problems: If you are on any other medication, do not have Benadryl without taking your doctor’s advice. Diphenhydramine from Benadryl may react with compounds from other medicines to cause side effects. For example, a class of drugs called sympathomimetic drugs may react with antihistamines leading to health complications for the mother and the baby (2).
- Prolonged use, multiple doses can cause side effects: Like any other medicine, large doses of Benadryl and prolonged/regular use will cause side effects in breastfeeding babies. The mother may also experience side effects like a decrease in breast milk production.
Benadryl does have a potential to cause side effects in babies, and it is vital to know all about it.
Can Benadryl Cause Side Effects In Babies?
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Yes. The following are the possible side effects of maternal Benadryl usage on the breastfeeding infant.
- Irritability and colic: In a study about first-generation antihistamines, researchers found that about 10% of mothers who had a drug with antihistamine reported colic and irritability in their babies. The precise dosage of antihistamine is unknown, and so is the duration of the side effect. However, none of the side effects required medical attention, and the baby stayed healthy.
- Drowsiness: A study reported drowsiness in 1 out of 12 breastfeeding infants whose mothers had diphenhydramine dosage. The side effects were not serious. Nevertheless, you must observe the baby for signs of drowsiness, since diphenhydramine is known to induce sleep (5).
Did you know?Always consult your doctor before having any medicine during lactation, keeping in mind the health of the baby. Compounds found in Benadryl could react with some other medication that you are on.
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Also, talk to your doctor about using alternatives to Benadryl.
What Are The Alternatives To Benadryl?
The alternatives to Benadryl vary depending on why you are using the medicine. The following are some of the baby-safe substitutes for Benadryl:
- Loratadine-based medicine: Loratadine is a drug that can help provide allergy relief. Maternal dosage is not known to cause any problems in the breastfeeding infant (6). In any case, the lowest dose of the medicine is recommended. Also, just like diphenhydramine from Benadryl, you should avoid having the medicine in combination with sympathomimetic drugs such as pseudoephedrine.
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen: These drugs are among the safest for breastfeeding mothers and their babies (7) and can be used to reduce the irritation associated with a sore throat, fever, and cold. Even when the maternal dosage is higher than usual, the amount that goes into breast milk is a lot less (8) (9).
- Home remedies: Instead of using Benadryl for treating a cough, you can use home remedies such as a ginger-honey mix, warm water gargles, and warm broth/soup. Skin irritation can be relieved with the use of aloe vera gel and keeping the skin hydrated. Speak to your doctor about appropriate remedies and lifestyle changes that can help you feel better without the use of medication.
Quick tip
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I treat an allergic reaction while breastfeeding?
The dose and type of medication may vary depending on the allergy’s symptoms and severity. You may take antiallergic medications as prescribed by the doctor. Most of these medications can be taken while breastfeeding. Local medications, such as eye drops and nasal sprays, are the primary preference since they do not enter breast milk (10).
2. What antihistamine can I take while breastfeeding?
Non-sedating antihistamines are usually recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine are often prescribed since low levels reach breast milk, and there are fewer adverse effects. Acrivastine is only given if other medications are ineffective since it can cause drowsiness in mothers and breastfed babies. Nasal sprays such as budesonide (Rhinocort) can be used for nasal symptoms since they act only locally. Eye drops such as sodium cromoglycate are also safe for treating allergic eye symptoms during lactation (11).
3. How long does Benadryl stay in the system?
The clearance of Benadryl from the body may vary in each person, depending on the liver functions and the dosage of medication. Liver enzymes metabolize the drug and excrete unwanted products in the urine. It has a half-life (time to reduce the amount by half) of 3.4 to 9.2 hours. Usually, the drug levels are at their peak two hours after administration (12).
4. How long does it take for Benadryl to leave breast milk?
According to a study, an intramuscular dose of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) was undetectable or very less in concentration after five hours of administration. However, this may vary from one person to another, and there are no modern studies determining when breast milk has no traces of Benadryl. You may seek individualized recommendations based on your health status to know the availability of Benadryl in breast milk (2).
5. Can I still breastfeed if I have an allergic reaction?
You may breastfeed even if you have an allergic reaction since human breast milk does not cause allergic reactions in infants. You may take allergic medications per prescription for severe allergic reactions or symptoms and continue breastfeeding the baby.
Breastfeeding is when the mother is apprehensive about taking medications for any ailments. If you had Benadryl while pregnant, you are likely to consider the medication while breastfeeding. Nevertheless, it is ideal to have it as per a doctor’s guidance during lactation. You may aim at avoiding Benadryl while breastfeeding due to the drug interactions, possible side effects, and other complications. However, if you are prescribed the medication, have it as per the prescribed dosage and for the prescribed duration to prevent any adverse effects on your baby.
Infographic: Safety Measures To Follow When Using Benadryl While Breastfeeding
Benadryl or diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that may cause marked drowsiness. This may make it difficult to take care of an infant. Prolonged use or overuse may cause the baby to be exposed to the drug via breast milk. Taking adequate methods may counter this problem as well. The infographic below explains how. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Is It Safe To Take Benadryl While Breastfeeding?
Image: Dalle E/MomJunction Design Team
References
1. Diphenhydramine; U.S. National Library of Medicine
2. Diphenhydramine; National Center for Biotechnology Information
3. M. So et al., Safety of antihistamines during pregnancy and lactation; National Center for Biotechnology Information
4. Breastfeeding; Florida Health
5. Diphenhydramine; National Institutes of Health
6. Loratadine LactMed Database of U.S. National Library of Medicine
7. The Transfer of Drugs and Other Chemicals Into Human Milk; American Academy of Pediatrics
8. Acetaminophen; LactMed Database of U.S. National Library of Medicine
9. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking or using ibuprofen; NHS
10. Treating Seasonal Allergies while Breastfeeding LactMed Database of U.S. National Library of Medicine
11. Antihistamines And Breastfeeding; The Breastfeeding Network
12. Vincent Sicari And Christopher P. Zabbo; Diphenhydramine; U.S. National Library of Medicine
13. Diphenhydramine; Mother to Baby
14. 9 Doctor-Approved Home Remedies for Dry Cough; Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research
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