Allergies- what works for you (while BF)

MelissaMc22

My head hurts!!! WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I take Claritin, but then I end up taking Ibuprofen all day because it still is throbbing.

I used to take Claritin D, which seemed to help but can't take while BF.

What works for you???

 

suprchicy

I'm sorry about your allergies!  I took Zyrtec all the way through my pregnancy, my allergies were terrible while I was pregnant.  I found this on Kellymom:

Zyrtec is also generally considered to be compatible with breastfeeding. It is commonly used by nursing moms, although its levels in milk are not known. Hale rates Zyrtec in the lactation risk catagory L2 

I hope you are able to get some relief!

ETA:  Found this too:  The ingredients of Claritin, Claritin-D, Allegra, Allegra-D, Actifed (the decongestant pseudoephedrine plus triprolidine) and Seldane have been approved by the AAP for use by nursing moms. Loratadine (Claritin) has been studied and the amount of loratadine that passes into breastmilk is extremely low. Claritin-D and Allegra-D have pseudoephedrine added (which is AAP approved, but see above about possible effect on milk supply). Dr. Hale has said that he prefers the nonsedating antihistamines (even though they are long-acting) over the sedating allergy medications.

Moesten

Not a d@mn thing! Sorry! I kept taking Claritin hoping it would make a dent in my symptoms but really I just had to fight through.  I would be wary of pseudoephedrine because it can really dry up your milk supply.  I am a Zyrtec lover but did not use it while BFing because it was contraindicated at the time (not enough research or anecdotal history).  

Not that they've ever done a d@mn thing for me, you might want to try a netipot or other saline rinse.  

Also, can you use Afrin while nursing? I think so but double check me there.  

rottie06

Nasel sprays are generally safe.  I know my Dr strongly recommends NaselCrom but I have had a hard time finding it (It is over the counter). He ended up putting me on Nasonex which has helped a good deal.  He also likes Excedrin since it has caffine.  The caffine will help especially if you get migraines.

hav2run

I use Zyrtec and Flonase by day and Benadryl by night.  I know that Zyrtec is BF friendly.  You might ask your doc about the others.  I am having lots of luck with it considering how horrible the pollens are right now.  Good luck.

doodlebug914

Benadryl Sinus Headache is my friend... I just take one and don't have problems with drowsiness.  Hope you feel better soon!