Loratadine While Nursing: Is It Safe for Breastfeeding Moms?

When you're nursing and battling allergies, loratadine, a second-generation antihistamine used for hay fever and hives. Also known as Claritin, it's one of the most common allergy meds moms turn to because it doesn't make them drowsy like older options. But the real question isn’t whether it works—it’s whether it’s safe for your baby.

Studies show that only tiny amounts of loratadine pass into breast milk—less than 1% of the maternal dose. The American Academy of Pediatrics lists it as usually compatible with breastfeeding, and major health organizations like the CDC and WHO don’t flag it as a concern. Unlike first-gen antihistamines like diphenhydramine, loratadine doesn’t cross into the brain much, so it’s unlikely to cause drowsiness or fussiness in your baby. Still, every baby reacts differently. Some newborns, especially in the first few weeks, might be more sensitive to even small drug exposures. If your baby is premature, has liver issues, or shows signs of unusual sleepiness, irritability, or poor feeding after you start taking it, talk to your doctor.

There are other antihistamines, medications that block histamine to reduce allergy symptoms. Also known as allergy pills, they like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra) that work similarly and are also considered low-risk during breastfeeding. Cetirizine has slightly more data showing it’s well-tolerated in infants, while fexofenadine has even less transfer into milk than loratadine. If you’re still unsure, non-medication options like saline nasal sprays, air purifiers, or avoiding known triggers can help reduce reliance on pills. And if you do take loratadine, timing matters: take it right after nursing to give your body time to clear most of it before the next feeding.

What you’ll find below are real stories and science-backed insights from moms who’ve been there—how they managed allergies while nursing, what side effects they saw (or didn’t see), and when they switched meds. It’s not about fear—it’s about making smart, informed choices so you can breathe easy and keep feeding your baby without worry.