Today my physician prescribed Claritin for my very persistent sinus problems and I am very hesitant to use it, as I'm afraid to lessen my current supply for my 12 week old. Does anyone have any current or prior experience with Claritin while breastfeeding? Much thanks to everyone in advance :)
I have no experience but wouldn't take it, if concerned about supply. It can "dry" you up. You may do OK, though. Nasal sprays, like others have suggested would be good. I have used a Nettie pot & that seems to work well.
Ask a pharmacist. They are the experts in medicines and reactions. They are also free....lol.
I don't have any experience with Claritin while breastfeeding, but we don't have very good luck with Claritin in general in our house.
We use Xlear (pronounced "Clear") nasal spray instead and it's wonderful! It is very effective for allergy sufferers as well as those with sinus problems.
http://www.luckyvitamin.com/p-21261-xlear-sinus-nasal-spr...
Good luck!
I would try netti pot. It's just saline and works excellent. You can use it twice daily and it rinses and soothes your sinuses. make sure you boil the water youll be using or use distilled. im not sure what sinus issues you have but they make prescriptin nasal sprays that could be an option because not very much of the medication is absorbed into your system. Any antihistamine like Claritin can cause things to "dry up" . That's my take as a pharmacist :0)
I have used Claritin everyday for the past 15 years. I used it while pregnant and the entire time nursing both of my daughters. I never had a problem with milk production and both of my girls nursed to the 2 year mark.
I hope it gives you the relief you need.
Any antihistamine has "drying" potential... you can counteract it with tons of water as well as a supplement... a good one is motherlove more milk plus. Hope you feel better soon :)
I took it occasionally, and didn't have any trouble with supply on the days that I took it. However, since I was concerned about it (like you, I wanted to be sure my supply wouldn't be affected longer term by taking it every day), my doctor switched me to Flonase instead. It's a nasal spray that acts locally in your nose/sinuses. The absorption into your body is minimal and since it's not absorbed, it doesn't affect your milk at all. No risk to the baby or your supply.
I have nursed 4 1/2 years total and never had a problem with it. I take it every day year around. My only suggestion is to make sure that you are drinking enough fluids. Good luck, and congratulations.
