safest antihistamine in pregnancy

According to ACOG, the safest first-generation antihistamines

for pregnant women are: Chlorpheniramine Dexchlorpheniramine Hydroxyzine The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) as the first choice for pregnancy.

Full Answer

What is a safe medication list for pregnancy?

Safe to take: Benadryl, Sudafed, Afrin nasal spray, Claratin, Robitussin DM, Vicks Formula 44, Halls cough drops. Over the counter medications are safe during pregnancy. Make sure you read the labels for the drug ingredients. Make sure you are taking for only the symptoms you have and take as directed.

What medications are safe to take while pregnant?

COMMON MEDICATIONS SAFE IN PREGNANCY Clindamycin ACNE: Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Erythromycin . Salicylic Acid. AVOID: Accutane Metamucil. Retin-A . Tetracycline . Minocycline

Can I take antihistamines While I'm Pregnant?

Many people with allergies take antihistamines for relief. Studies show that several over-the-counter allergy medications are safe to use during pregnancy, including Newer antihistamines, such as cetirizine and loratadine, also may be safe. There also is a corticosteroid nasal spray that is safe to use during pregnancy.

Is Zyrtec safe in pregnancy?

Zyrtec is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy. Learn about its risk category, dosage information and other medication-free alternatives.

What antihistamine is safe during pregnancy?

Oral antihistamines, like cetirizine (Zyrtec), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) seem to be safe.

Are all antihistamines safe in pregnancy?

Scientific research suggests that using most types of antihistamines during pregnancy is not linked to birth defects. Out of 54 studies examined, 9 studies showed potential links between certain antihistamines and certain birth defects.

Which antihistamine is safe in first trimester?

Studies consistently show no significant risk of fetal malformations with first-generation antihistamines, and these agents are considered safe. The second-generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) do not appear to increase overall fetal risk.

Is cetirizine safe in pregnancy?

Newer antihistamines, such as cetirizine and loratadine, also may be safe. There also is a corticosteroid nasal spray that is safe to use during pregnancy. But one of the most common decongestants, pseudoephedrine, has been linked to a small risk of abdominal wall birth defects.

Can you take cetirizine when pregnant?

Cetirizine can be used in pregnancy. There is no good evidence that it causes harm to the baby. However, other antihistamines such as loratadine may be recommended as there is more information about its use in pregnancy.

What can I take for allergies while pregnant first trimester?

These over-the-counter allergy meds have no known harmful effects during pregnancy when you take them according to the package directions.Allegra (fexofenadine)Benadryl (diphenhydramine)Claritin (loratadine)Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Is Reactine safe in pregnancy?

Cetirizine is unlikely to cause other pregnancy complications. Studies on a small number of pregnancies did not find a higher chance for birth defects, preterm delivery (having the baby before 37 weeks), or low birth weight.

What helps allergies when pregnant?

Step-by-Step Care:Try to avoid your allergy triggers.Use saline nose spray to ease your congestion.Keep animals out of your bedroom.Vacuum often. ... Use the air conditioner to keep humidity low and irritants out of the house. ... Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors if pollen sets off your allergies.More items...•

How many pregnant women take antihistamines?

Nearly 15% of pregnant women report taking an antihistamine during their first trimester.

What is antihistamine used for?

John Carew, MD. on March 06, 2020. Antihistamines are commonly used medications for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, as well as other medical problems such as insomnia, nausea and vomiting, motion sickness and dizziness. These medications are also commonly used during pregnancy, as many antihistamines have a pregnancy category B rating, ...

Is antihistamines safe during pregnancy?

2 . The data from this study is extremely encouraging that antihistamines are generally considered safe during pregnancy.

Can you take medication while pregnant?

Any medication taken during pregnancy is best taken for the shortest amount of time, and at the lowest dose that is effective for treating symptoms. The benefit of taking any medication needs to be weighed against the risk of not taking the medication.

Can you take antihistamines while pregnant?

Even though most antihistamines are available OTC without a prescription, pregnant women should seek the advice of a physician prior to taking any medication, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy.

What are antihistamines used for?

Antihistamines targeting histamine–type 1 (H1) receptors are commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis. Examples of first-generation antihistamines are brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, and pheniramine. Most—with the exception of doxylamine and dimenhydrinate, both used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, and hydroxyzine (prescription-only)—are commonly found in over-the-counter allergy and cold medications. None of the medications in this class of drugs has been reported to increase fetal risk when used at any time during pregnancy.2Epidemiologic data support safety in early pregnancy,3with a meta-analysis involving more than 200 000 participants concluding that there was no increase in any type of congenital malformation.4

What are some examples of second generation antihistamines?

Examples of second-generation antihistamines are cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, and loratadine.

What is the maximum dose of loratadine in breast milk?

Among the second-generation H1blockers, data on drug concentration in breast milk are available for loratadine, desloratadine, and fexofenadine. The pharmacokinetics of loratadine and its metabolite desloratadine in breast milk were studied in 6 lactating women after a single oral dose of 40 mg of loratadine,19which is 4 times the current standard therapeutic dose. Assuming the breast milk intake by an infant is 150 mL/kg daily, the maximum infant loratadine-equivalent dose based on the highest concentration of loratadine and desloratadine in breast milk was estimated to be 7.3 μg/kg daily (ie, 1.1% of the daily dose given to the mother in mg/kg). The pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine in breast milk were studied in 4 lactating women taking 60 mg of terfenadine every 12 hours.20The maximum infant dose of fexofenadine based on the highest concentration of fexofenadine in breast milk would be 9 μg/kg daily (ie, 0.45% of the daily dose given to the mother in mg/kg). Considering the minimal exposure of a nursing infant to the drugs through breast milk, maternal use of loratadine, desloratadine, or fexofenadine in a standard therapeutic dose is unlikely to result in adverse effects in nursing infants and is considered to be compatible with breastfeeding.

Can antihistamines be secreted in breast milk?

Although the data regarding the use of first-generation antihistamines and breastfeeding is limited, only minimal amounts of these drugs have been reported to be secreted in breast milk. 16,17In a telephone follow-up study conducted by Motherisk, 10% of mothers reported irritability and colicky symptoms in their infants exposed to various antihistamines, and drowsiness was reported in 1.6% of infants. None of the reactions required medical attention.18Therefore, short-term or occasional use of the older generation antihistamines would not be expected to be a concern during breastfeeding.

Can you take antihistamines while pregnant?

ANSWERFirst-generation antihistamines are considered safe to use during pregnancy. There are relatively fewer data on the nonsedating second-generation antihistamines; however, published studies are reassuring. All antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in the breast milk and would not cause any adverse effects on a breastfeeding infant.

Is cyproheptadine harmful?

although not known to be har mful, manufacturers of alimemazine, cetirizine, cinnarizine, cyproheptadine, desloratadine, dimenhydrinate, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, loratadine, and mizolastine advise avoid

Is it safe to take antihistamines while pregnant?

pregnant patient should be informed that no antihistamine drug can be considered absolutely safe but that the small risk has to be balanced against the benefits of keeping the mother healthy in the interest of the foetus. Prescribed drugs must be selected cautiously after the patient has been informed of the potential adverse effects

Does chlorphenamine cause respiratory depression?

with respect to chlorphenamine - there is one case report of neonatal respiratory depression following use in the third trimester and although a causal relationship was not established there is a data sheet warning that use of chlorphenamine in the third trimester may result in reactions in neonates

Does urticaria worsen during pregnancy?

chronic urticaria often improves in pregnancy, reducing the need for antihistamine treatment, in some rare cases symptoms of urticaria worsen

Is hydroxyzine teratogenic?

none of the currently licensed antihistamines have been shown to be teratogenic in humans, but high doses of hydroxyzine and loratadine have caused embryotoxicity in animal studies

Why should I avoid decongestants during pregnancy?

Both ACOG and ACAAI say to avoid OTC oral decongestants during your first three months of pregnancy due to a possible risk of abdominal wall birth defects. These include the decongestant Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and other decongestants, such as phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine.

Can you get a cold while pregnant?

Allergy or cold symptoms, allergic reactions, and allergic skin rashes may occur during pregnancy. You and your pregnancy care provider may weigh the benefits and possible risks of taking medication.

Can you use nasal spray for rhinitis?

Nasal spray for allergic rhinitis may be another option. Decongestant nasal sprays like Afrin and Neo-Synephrine appear to be safe in pregnancy, but can cause rebound nasal congestion if used for more than a day or two. Steroid nasal sprays may be more effective. ACAAI recommends starting with Rhinocort® (budesonide).

Can you take antihistamines while pregnant?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), several over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines may be taken during pregnancy.

Can you take antihistamines while breastfeeding?

All antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in the breast milk and would not cause any adverse effects on a breastfeeding infant.

Is it safe to take antihistamines while pregnant?

First-generation antihistamines are considered safe to use during pregnancy. There are relatively fewer data on the nonsedating second-generation antihistamines; however, published studies are reassuring. All antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excr …

What is the best medication for allergies?

To manage mild allergy symptoms, he or she might recommend an oral antihistamine such as loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) or cetirizine (Zyrtec).

How to avoid allergies?

Avoiding triggers. Limit your exposure to anything that triggers your allergy symptoms.

How many women take antihistamines during pregnancy?

About 10-15% of women report taking antihistamines during pregnancy.

What is an antihistamine used for?

Researchers found many studies on antihistamine medications typically used to treat allergies, asthma, or nausea and vomiting (H 1 -receptor antagonists).

What to do if you are pregnant and are taking any medications?

If you are planning a pregnancy and are using any medications, please talk to your doctor about which medications are necessary and should be continued .

Can antihistamines cause birth defects?

Scientific research suggests that using most types of antihistamines during pregnancy is not linked to birth defects. Out of 54 studies examined, 9 studies showed potential links between certain antihistamines and certain birth defects. Researchers need to study these potential links further.

How to get rid of congestion during pregnancy?

2. Treat mild symptoms with home remedies. Nasal congestion is common during pregnancy, Dr. Zanotti says. Using a humidifier in your home can sometimes help solve this problem. It won’t remove allergens from the environment but it will moisten the air. And that can help soothe your irritated nasal passages.

How to manage symptoms of pregnancy?

Dr. Zanotti suggests five ways to safely manage your symptoms while you’re expecting. 1. Avoid allergy triggers as much as possible.

What are the most common allergens that cause allergies?

Environmental allergens such as mold, pollen and animal dander are most often to blame for allergy symptoms. They’re also the most difficult allergens to avoid. Dr. Zanotti’s advice when pollen or pollution levels are high is to limit your time outside.

How do antihistamines work?

Antihistamine medications work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is a trigger for allergy symptoms.

How to soothe irritated nasal passages?

And that can help soothe your irritated nasal passages. You can also try a saline or salt water nasal spray to help ease your congestion, she says. 3. Be picky about over-the-counter allergy medications. Many allergy medications really aren’t safe to take during pregnancy.

Do allergy symptoms clear up during pregnancy?

One-third of lucky women find that their allergy symptoms clear up. Another one-third of women find that their allergy symptoms worsen. The remaining one-third find that their allergy symptoms are about the same as before pregnancy. “It’s funny, with pregnancy we see allergies go all three ways,” says Dr. Zanotti.

Can you get allergy shots while pregnant?

Zanotti. “But we don’t recommend starting allergy shots during your pregnancy, because you don’t know what reaction you’ll have.”

What medicine can I take for allergies while pregnant?

Studies show that several over-the-counter allergy medications are safe to use during pregnancy, including. chlorpheniramine.

Is chlorpheniramine safe for pregnancy?

dexchlorpheniramine. hydroxyzine. Newer antihistamines, such as cetirizine and loratadine, also may be safe. There also is a corticosteroid nasal spray that is safe to use during pregnancy.

Can you take pseudoephedrine while pregnant?

But one of the most common decongestants, pseudoephedrine, has been linked to a small risk of abdominal wall birth defects. Do not use pseudoephedrine during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Check with your ob-gyn before taking any over-the-counter allergy medication.