The Basics
What is Chlorpheniramine?
Relieves red, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; itchy nose or throat; and runny nose caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.
Brand names for Chlorpheniramine
Wal-Finate, Aller-Chlor, Ed Chlorped Jr, Chlorhist, Pharbechlor, Chlorphen Sr, Ed-Chlorped, Chlor-Tabs, Allergy-Time
How Chlorpheniramine is classified
Antihistamines
Chlorpheniramine During Pregnancy
Chlorpheniramine pregnancy category
Category B
Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Chlorpheniramine while pregnant
Is Chlorpheniramine maleate safe for pregnancy? It is considered to be generally safe to take Chlorpheniramine maleate while pregnant .
Taking Chlorpheniramine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Chlorpheniramine?
If you take chlorpheniramine while breastfeeding, small (2 to 4 mg), occasional doses of chlorpheniramine are acceptable. Larger doses or more prolonged use might cause effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as spseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established. Single bedtime doses after the last feeding of the day may be adequate for many women and will minimize any effects of the drug. The nonsedating antihistamines are preferred alternatives, though.
Maternal / infant drug levels
If you take chlorpheniramine while breastfeeding, small (2 to 4 mg), occasional doses of chlorpheniramine are acceptable. Larger doses or more prolonged use might cause effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as spseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established. Single bedtime doses after the last feeding of the day may be adequate for many women and will minimize any effects of the drug. The nonsedating antihistamines are preferred alternatives, though.
Possible effects of Chlorpheniramine on milk supply
Dexchlorpheniramine in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women.[2][3] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by dexchlorpheniramine pretreatment of postpartum mothers.[2] Whether lower oral doses of chlorpheniramine have the same effect on serum prolactin or whether the effects on prolactin have any consequences on breastfeeding success have not been studied.
Possible alternatives to Chlorpheniramine
Desloratadine, Fexofenadine, Loratadine.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M et al. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168:1393-9. PMID: 8498418
2. Messinis IE, Souvatzoglou A, Fais N et al. Histamine H1 receptor participation in the control of prolactin secretion in postpartum. J Endocrinol Invest. 1985;8:143-6. PMID: 3928731
3. Pontiroli AE, De Castro e Silva E, Mazzoleni F et al. The effect of histamine and H1 and H2 receptors on prolactin and luteinizing hormone release in humans: sex differences and the role of stress. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1981;52:924-8. PMID: 7228996
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
