unisom sleepgels

[heleng]

Is it ok to take the above when breastfeeding? thank you

[admin]

Heleng:

This is what I advise:

Doxylamine is an antihistamine similar in structure to Benadryl. Because it has strong sedative properties, it is primarily used in over-the-counter sleep aids. Like other such antihistamines, it should be used only cautiously in infants and particularly in premature or term neonates due to paradoxical effects such as CNS stimulation or even sedation.[1,2] Levels in breastmilk are not known but caution is recommended particularly in infants with apnea or other respiratory syndromes.
----------------

Thus I'd be somewhat careful with this heavily sedating antihistamine. I would not use it if the infant is very young, has apnea or other breathing difficulties, or any other obvious problem that sedation would worsen.

Tom Hale Ph.D.

[heleng]

thank you

thank you for replying-
regards,
heleng