nasal sprays

[wildcarebey]

What steroid nasal spray can I use for allergies while breastfeeding?

[cpride]

Dear wildcarebey,

Steroids in general enter breastmilk in minimal amounts. When given topically in the nose, the amount of the medication in breastmilk would be expected to be lower than when taken orally. Some of the common steroid nasal sprays used are mometasone, fluticasone, and hydrocortisone, but your physician would decide which specific medication would be best for your particular condition. Steroids are concerning if given in high doses for prolonged periods but when used short term, low dose and intranasally, would not be expected to enter breastmilk in clinically relevant amounts.

Sincerely,
Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
TTUHSC InfantRisk Center