Is Zyrtec safe to take while breastfeeding?

My allergy doctor gave me a prescription for zyrtec and he said that he gives it to his pregnant patients and believes that it is safe to take while breastfeeding but I would like a better guarantee on this.

I checked “Medications and Mother’s Milk” by Thomas Hale. He rates Zyrtec as a L2 for lactation risk, which he calls “safer.” (They go from L1 as safest to L5 as contraindicated.)

The book says, among other things: “Studies in dogs suggests [sic] that only 3% is transferred into milk.”

I take Zyrtec for my allergies, too, and I’m currently breastfeeding. I just take it when I need it rather than automatically taking it every day.

If you have more questions you can consult a La Leche League Leader by finding the nearest one at llli.org.


Zyrtec Allergy Relief (10 mg)


Zyrtec Allergy Relief (10 mg)




Zyrtec Liquid Gels


Zyrtec Liquid Gels