Is Afrin Nasal Spray Safe During Pregnancy

More Information On Different Types Of Nasal Decongestant During Pregnancy

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Generally, during pregnancy over-the-counter drugs are avoided. Many drugs that are considered safe now, may not be considered safe in the future instead of risking the health of your baby, it is better to not take any medication.

Avoidance is better than cure for this reason, limit your exposure to people so that you may not contract any viral infection or flu. Sometimes, however, it becomes unavoidable to take medication in this case, talk with your doctor about which medicines are safe and which are not.

1. Pseudoephedrine

This is a popular over-the-counter nasal decongestant during pregnancy. Despite that, it is a category C drug which means that although safe for the fetus, its effects have not been studied widely in pregnant humans and animals.

Pseudoephedrine or Sudafed is widely used to relieve stuffy nose caused by a common cold or allergy. Its effect is mainly short-term and it works by constricting the blood vessels of the nasal membranes. Although it might temporarily relieve symptoms of the patient, it will not treat the cause of congestion.

If you want to use pseudoephedrine, you must first talk about it with your doctor or midwife.

2. Loratadine

This is a category B drug which means that animal experimentation with this drug has shown no harmful effects. It is therefore, considered to be a safe drug to take during pregnancy.

3. Spray Nasal Decongestant

Saline-only nasal decongestant sprays, on the other hand, are considered to be safe during pregnancy.

Conditions Treated By Afrin Vs Flonase

Afrin is indicated to treat nasal congestion. It is used off-label to induce vasoconstriction in nasal procedures. Afrin has no direct effect on inflammatory or allergic mediators, which may lead to sinus congestion.

Flonase is a prescription is indicated to treat allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. The over-the-counter product is labeled to treat upper respiratory allergy symptoms related to hay fever or allergic rhinitis. These symptoms include stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. It is the only over-the-counter nasal spray that carries an indication for all of these symptoms.

Condition
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Safe Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy

  • Metamucil, Citracel, Fibercon, Benefiber
  • Stool softeners colace ,1 tablet 2-3 times a day, pericolace ,1 tablet 1-3 times a day
  • Laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia, Correctal, Fleets enema and Miralax
  • Imodium liquid or capsules for diarrhea
  • Psyllium, which is the basic ingredient in Konsyl and Metamucil
  • Colace

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From Cold And Cough To Hemorrhoid And Nausea We Break Down Safe Otc Medications To Take While Pregnant

Its the dead of winter and you cant sleep, because youre 7 months pregnant and your baby has decided to be nocturnal. You know you need sleep, because lack of good rest inhibits your immune system. This stresses you out, because your spouse has a nasty cold, and youd rather avoid it.

Your spouse is resting peacefully in the guest room because he has a plethora of over-the-counter medications at his disposal.

But not you. Youre pregnant, and your OTC medicine choices are extremely limited. So, you hope to stay healthy amid the stress and discomfort of pregnancy. Not to mention its cold and flu season.

Then, you realize. Your nose is running. Your sinuses feel clogged. Youre getting sick.

Your first instinct is to want to grab those great medications your spouse is taking. But you know you have to be careful.

In no time, youre miserable with symptoms of the common cold. Youre desperate for relief, but you know the safety of your baby is paramount.

Advanced Womens Healthcare is here to help with a comprehensive list of safe over-the-counter medications to take during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor for the best personalized choices for you.

Pregnant women: Dont forget to get your flu shot at AWH Dallas!

Safe Yeast Infection Remedies During Pregnancy

Afrin Nasal Spray Safe During Pregnancy

The American Pregnancy Association recommends vaginal creams and suppositories but warns that not all are safe during pregnancy. So, consult your doctor. Most likely, your doctor will recommend:

  • Clotrimazole
  • Terconazole

It may feel like navigating a minefield to understand which medications are safe to take during pregnancy, but the efforts become worth it when you meet your healthy baby for the first time. Be careful and consciousness with over-the-counter medications during pregnancy, and ask your doctor if you have any questions. And remember to get your flu shot from your AWH Dallas practitioner.

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Why Is Afrin Bad For You

  • Why Is Afrin Bad for You? Center
  • Afrin is one of the trade names of oxymetazoline. Oxymetazoline is a topical nasal decongestant commonly used in the form of oxymetazoline hydrochloride. Its main use is to reduce the congestion in the nostrils due to allergies, a runny nose, or sinusitis.

    It is available as nasal spray or drops to reduce the symptoms of nasal blockage and swollen inner lining of the nose. Dilated blood vessels inside the nose lead to swelling and fluid buildup in the tissues of the nose. The action of the drug causes the blood vessel wall to shrink, reducing the blood flow to the nose providing temporary relief from nasal stuffiness almost instantly. However, long-term use of oxymetazoline may in fact result in increased nasal secretions, nasal swelling, and nasal block due to rebound vasodilation .

    Which Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy

    You should avoid all medication if possible, especially in the first three months when we feel the baby is most susceptible to drugs. If another doctor prescribes medicines for you on a regular basis or for a new onset problem, please make them aware you are pregnant so that they can prescribe safe medicines during your pregnancy.

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    How Do We Know Nasal Steroid Sprays Are Safe During Pregnancy

    A large study observed birth outcomes of 140,000 pregnant women, 2502 of whom tried steroid nasal sprays during their pregnancy. The study was a review of multiple research studies that all together looked at the following steroid sprays:

    Triamcinolone was the only nasal spray to be linked to birth defects, specifically birth defects in the airways. It was associated with a slightly increased risk of abnormalities of the respiratory system and choanal atresia . Data wasnt available to confirm if ciclesonide was safe or not. All other sprays were not associated with birth defects.

    Are Decongestants Safe During Pregnancy

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    Allergies plague many of us every year. In fact, one in five adults suffers from allergies. Allergens are often called hay fever, or Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, and the most common symptoms are sneezing, stuffiness, a runny nose, and itchiness in the mouth, throat, eyes, or ears. Allergies often do not stop when women become pregnant the question of whether the use of decongestants is safe during pregnancy is often an unclear answer to many women suffering from allergies.

    Over-the-counter decongestants are, for the most part, safe during pregnancy, physicians advise. Most decongestants do not contain enough medication to cause problems with baby, especially if used for short periods. Nasal spray decongestants are even safer, since the medication is almost entirely absorbed within the nose and does not travel through the body. As a general rule, physicians advise patients that if they can buy it without visiting the pharmacy counter, short term use will not harm the baby during pregnancy.

    Many health care providers recommend using medication that is considered a Category B drug, such as the decongestant Sudafed® or the antihistamine Claritin® when allergies strike. Category B drugs have been shown through animal testing to not harm an unborn baby when the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. If a runny nose is more of a problem than a congested one, antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine, Loratadine or Cetirizine are all safe to take during pregnancy.

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    Nasal Spray Medications And Pregnancy

    While some medications are not safe during pregnancy, there are nasal sprays that have been FDA approved for sinus congestion. To help pregnant women distinguish between safe nasal sprays that exist and those that are unsafe, there are FDA-assigned pregnancy categories used in the FDAs Drug Formulary. The FDA Pregnancy Categories include:

    • Category A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy .
    • Category B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
    • Category C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
    • Category D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
    • Category X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.

    Cold Medications For Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

    Selecting a cold medication while pregnant or breastfeeding that is going to be safe for both you and your baby can be stressful and overwhelming.

    Here, you’ll find answers to your questions and information about common ingredients found in cold medicines that are considered safe for you and your baby.

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    Mums On Our Forum Say

    Some mums on our forums commented that they couldn’t find anything other than Vicks or Olbas oil to help with their blocked noses. But this mum says:

    “I suffer terribly from sinusitis and since being pregnant I have been using Sterimar which is a natural sea water nasal spray that is totally safe in pregnancy. I’ve found it makes a huge difference, more than the endless antibiotics and decongestants I was given pre-pregnancy. Also I put a saucepan of boiling water in my room at bedtime, keeps the air moist and helps to stop your nasal passages drying out.”Lou66

    Read more:

    Is Afrin Or Flonase Better

    Afrin Nasal Spray Safe During Pregnancy

    Afrin provides a faster response to congestion with an onset of action within 10 minutes. It is not recommended for use longer than three days, however. Flonase is slower to relieve congestion symptoms but can be used safely long term. Flonase is effective against other allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

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    Who Should Not Take Afrin

    Children under six years, women who are pregnant or nursing, and people who have had an allergic reaction to Afrin shouldn’t use it. This medication should be used with caution in individuals who have kidney or liver disease. It is recommended that individuals with diabetes, thyroid disease, heart problems, and a history of stroke or high blood pressure discuss the use of this medication with their healthcare provider. It is important to clear all medications with your practitioner and pharmacist to make sure that you are not taking a medicine that could result in an adverse reaction when used with Afrin.

    Is It A Cold Or Something More

    Nasal congestion can be a sign of an underlying infection. Before using a decongestant nasal spray during pregnancy, talk with your physician about the symptoms you are experiencing. This is especially important if you have multiple symptoms, including fever, chest congestion, headache, and other body pain.

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    What Are Some Things I Need To Know Or Do While I Take Afrin Nasal Spray

    • Tell all of your health care providers that you take Afrin Nasal Spray ). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
    • Do not use for more than 3 days. Using Afrin Nasal Spray ) too often or for longer than you have been told may cause nose stuffiness to happen again or get worse.
    • This medicine may cause harm if swallowed or if too much is used. The chance is higher in children. If Afrin Nasal Spray ) is swallowed or too much is used, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
    • Talk with the doctor before you give Afrin Nasal Spray ) to a child younger than 6 years old.
    • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

    Safely Treating Sinus Congestion While Pregnant

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    These five tips for treating sinus congestion while pregnant can help you get over your stuffy nose without using medication that might pose a risk to baby.

    1. Avoid Allergens and Pollutants

    Avoid unnecessary exposure to nasal allergens and pollutants, such as smog and cigarette smoke.

    2. Keep Yourself Hydrated

    Drinking even more water than usual each day is very effective in treating sinus congestion while pregnant.

    3. Keep Your Nasal Passages Clear

    Flush your nasal passages with saltwater nose drops several times a day. These are available without a prescription, or you can make your own. To make your own saltwater drops, use a quarter teaspoon of salt to a cup of water.

    4. Use a Facial Steamer for Treating Sinus Congestion

    Clear sinus congestion while pregnant with a simple facial steamer. A facial steamer is a hot mist vaporizer. A facial steamer steam cleans your nasal passageways.

    5. Consider Nasal Sprays

    Medicines that constrict the noses blood vessels may enter the bloodstream and constrict the uterus or placenta blood vessels. Therefore, decongestants should be used only under a doctors supervision and only in the dosage and frequency your doctor recommends.

    Some nasal sprays are safer than others. Except for saltwater nasal spray, consult your doctor before taking nasal sprays.

    Afrin

    • Afrin , when used only twice a day and for a couple of days, hasnt been shown to cause harmful effects on the developing baby.

    Inhaled Nasal Steroids

    Cromolyn

    Antihistamines

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    Choosing Safe Nasal Sprays To Use During Pregnancy

    There are various nasal sprays available for allergies. Therefore, choosing the right allergy medication to use during pregnancy can be a little stressful as a first-time mom. Weve compiled a list of safe nasal sprays, from sprays deemed safe as per the FDA Pregnancy Categories they reside in to over-the-counter sprays, that can be discussed with your doctor for potential use during pregnancy. Please be sure to consult with your doctor before taking steps to use any of the following.

    What Kind Of Research Was This

    This was a case-control study looking at possible reasons for birth defects in infants born in the US or Canada.

    The researchers were following up previous research suggesting that exposure to specific oral decongestants may increase the risk of several birth defects. They wanted to further investigate this possible link to see if it was true.

    A case-control study is the favoured study design for investigating rare diseases such as birth defects. However, they cannot prove cause and effect. Instead, they can uncover potential links between how certain exposures during pregnancy may relate to differences in the chance of a birth defect occurring.

    The gold standard research design, a randomised controlled trial, could never be used to assess the possible harm of using nasal decongestants due to the obvious ethical implications of potentially placing a pregnancy at risk.

    It would also be very impractical as youd have to include a lot of pregnant women in the study to be able to include just a few cases of birth defects, because they are rare.

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    Side Effects Of Phenylephrine

    Phenylephrine may cause some side effects. These are important to consider during pregnancy when your comfort and your babys health are primary concerns. Some of the side effects may go away as your body gets used to the medication. If any of these side effects cause problems for you or dont go away, call your doctor.

    The more common side effects of phenylephrine can include:

    • nervousness
    • trouble sleeping
    • burning, stinging, or sneezing right after you use the nasal spray

    Serious side effects are usually caused by swallowing the intranasal product by accident. Some serious side effects can include:

    • nausea
    • Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat

    Examples of intranasal drugs that contain phenylephrine include:

    • Neo-Synephrine
    • 4 Way

    There are also many generic-version products that contain phenylephrine. These products may combine phenylephrine with other drugs such as guaifenesin and dextromethorphan . Be sure to read the labels of any OTC medications you take so you know exactly what drugs youre using.

    Nasal Decongestant During Pregnancy

    Afrin Nasal Spray Safe During Pregnancy

    Many women undergo nasal congestion during pregnancy. This congestion occurs when the blood vessels in the mucosal membrane of the nose expand. This expansion allows exudation or dripping of fluid from the blood vessels and eventually causes congestion in the nose. This congestion can also occur in the sinuses or chest.

    Decongestants are medications that help to prevent accumulation of this fluid by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa. Some of the over the counter decongestants include: oral decongestant pseudoephedrine with trade names like Sudafed, topical sprays Neo-Synephrine, Afrin, and inhalers like Benzedrex. Every medication must be used with caution so it is of utmost importance to learn the precautions you should take when using nasal decongestant during pregnancy as well as other natural remedies that you can use.

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    Don’t Take Decongestants While Pregnant: Birth Defect Risk

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    Summer colds are a bummer. Summer colds while pregnant are the worst! Sore throat, coughing, runny nose, sinus headachesugh! Normally, the first thing you’d do is reach for the nearest decongestant. But if you’re pregnant, don’t! Recent findings show that the use of a decongestant during the first trimester of pregnancy may raise the risk of certain rare birth defects in your unborn child.

    Over-the-counter medicines, including phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are linked to rare birth defects of the digestive tract, ear and heart. Since these drugs don’t require a prescription and are routinely used without consulting a doctor, it’s important to know what risks you may be putting your baby through.

    Dr. Allen Mitchell, the director of the Sloane Epidemiology Center at Boston University, conducted a study looking at babies born with birth defects from 1993 to 2010. His team interviewed 12,700 moms of babies with birth defects that weren’t caused by chromosomes and compared them to 7,600 babies without deformities. Moms were asked what medications they took while pregnant and in the two months before becoming pregnant.

    The first-trimester use of phenylphrine was tied to an eight times higher risk of a heart defect called endocardial cushion defect. And phenylpropanolamine was linked to an eight times higher risk of defects of the ear and stomach. Use of imidazolines was tied to an almost double disk of an abnormal connection between the trachea and esophagus.

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