Is It Safe To Take Claritin Or Other Allergy Medications During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, is it okay to use allergy medicine like Claritin or other antihistamines?It is possible that your doctor will suggest allergy medication while you are pregnant.However, before you take an allergy medicine, you should try other strategies to minimize the symptoms of your allergy, such as the following: Avoiding triggers.Reduce the amount of time you spend around anything that brings on your allergic symptoms.
Saline nasal spray.
Can I Use Flonase While Pregnant
You may give an intranasal steroid spray a shot. You could find relief with an intranasal steroid spray such as Nasonex® or Flonase®. According to Dr. Zanotti, it is completely safe to use these sprays throughout a womans pregnancy, and the standard dose that is prescribed should still be followed.
What Is The Safest Allergy Medicine
Antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec are available without a prescription and are very common. They are therapies for mild allergies that are regarded as both safe and effective by medical professionals. Both of these medications are antihistamines of the second generation. These antihistamines of the second generation induce less sleepiness than those of the first generation.
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Skin Rashes Cuts Scrapes
Rashes and itchy skin can be treated with OTC hydrocortisone cream during pregnancy. But mention these symptoms to your doctor to rule out conditions like pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy . You doctor may prescribe steroidal creams for certain conditions.
For cuts and scrapes, clean the area well with soap and water. You may then apply an OTC antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin, for added protection.
Treating For Two: Safer Medication Use In Pregnancy
In collaboration with federal and external partners, CDCs Treating for Two initiative is a national strategy to improve the health of mothers and babies through better research, reliable guidance, and informed decisions related to medication treatment in pregnancy.
- Research: CDC funds the Centers for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, which collaborate on large studies such as the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and the Birth Defects Study To Evaluate Pregnancy exposures . Researchers engaging in these studies work to identify factors that increase the risk for birth defects and to answer questions about the effects of some medications taken during pregnancy.
- Technical expertise: CDC works with staff from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other professionals to help conduct studies on the effects of medication use during pregnancy and ways to prevent harmful effects.
- Collaboration: As part of the Treating for Two: Safer Medication Use in Pregnancy Initiative pdf icon, CDC is committed to working with its partners, other federal agencies, and the public to build a comprehensive approach to improve the quality of data on medication use during pregnancy, translate this information into safe and effective health care for pregnant women, and make this information easily accessible to women and their healthcare providers.
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Key Findings: Antihistamines And Birth Defects
Pregnant woman talking to her doctor about medication use.
In a new CDC study, researchers reviewed more than 50 published scientific articles to see if there was a risk of birth defects from using antihistamines, like allergy medication, during pregnancy. Researchers found the evidence to be generally reassuring: most antihistamines do not appear to be linked to birth defects. However, researchers need to study certain antihistamine medications further to determine if they increase the risk for birth defects. You can read the articles abstract hereexternal icon. Read more below for a summary of the findings from this article.
Is It Safe To Take Allergy Medications During Pregnancy
You are fortunate in that there are a greater number of allergy drugs that are safe to use than there are that arent, which means that you dont have to put up with uncomfortable allergy symptoms simply because you are pregnant.According to OBGYN Danielle Jones, MD, of Mama Doctor Jones, it is okay to use a variety of antihistamine drugs and nasal steroid sprays that are available without a prescription while pregnant.
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Can I Get Allergy Shots During Pregnancy
Pregnant women can continue with allergy shots they started before they were pregnant. They should stay at the current dose through pregnancy do not increase dosage. If theres any reactivity, the doctor may reduce the dosage of the shot.
Its not recommended to start allergy shots during pregnancy. This can trigger changes in an already-fluctuating immune system and may cause a systemic reaction.
I Hate Using Nasal Sprays Do I Have Other Options For Allergies During Pregnancy
Antihistamine pills like loratadine and cetirizine are popular allergy medications, but theyre less effective compared to the nasal steroid sprays. If you choose to take these, know that they are generally safe for use during pregnancy.
You may also be familiar with the decongestant pseudoephedrine . If youre pregnant and in your first trimester, stay away from this. During your second and third trimester, it may be used if you dont have high blood pressure.
Always check with your OB/GYN before taking any new medications.
Dr. O
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What Can I Do For My Allergies While Pregnant
Step-by-Step Care:
What Is The Best Allergy Medicine For Kids
The best allergy medicine for kids depends on your child’s age, symptoms and other health conditions. If your child is diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, treatment can include nasal sprays, such as cromolyn sodium or oral antihistamines, such as loratadine , fexofenadine or cetirizine for mild or episodic symptoms. Zyrtec has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for children older than 6 months of age. Claritin and Allegra have been approved for use in children age 2 and older. Zyrtec, Allegra and Claritin are available in a liquid syrup formulation that is specially dosed for children.
For children with severe allergy symptoms that are not relieved by oral medications, a steroidal nasal spray may be considered. Nasacort, Flonase and Nasonex have all been approved by the FDA for children over 2 years of age. The dose is typically one spray per nostril, once daily. Nosebleeds are a common side effect of these nasal sprays but are usually nothing to worry about. Coating the insides of your child’s nostrils with a saline gel, like Ayr, may help prevent this side effect.
If you are looking for an allergy medicine for a child of toddler age or older who is experiencing itchy eyes, consider topical allergy eye drops, such as olopatadine , for kids age 3 and older, or ketotifen , for children age 2 and older. These are antihistamine medications that can relieve itchy eyes due to allergens for up 12 hours.
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Check Your Inhaler Technique
To get the most from your inhaler, it’s important to have your technique checked regularly.
If you’re not sure how to use your inhaler, or your technique has not been checked for a year, ask your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist to watch you use it.
Its very important to use your inhaler properly. This is so you get the right amount of fluticasone into your lungs and the most benefit from your medicine.
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.
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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
How Does Flonase Allergy Relief Work
FLONASE Allergy Relief is a nasal spray that works directly in the nose to relieve nose- and eye-related allergy symptoms. FLONASE contains fluticasone propionatewhich for years has been the #1-prescribed allergy ingredient.*.
As a nasal spray now available over the counter, FLONASE Allergy Relief works right in the nose, and is minimally absorbed by the body.1
1. Sastre J, Mosges R. Local and systemic safety of intranasal corticosteroids. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 22.1 : n. pag. Web. 13 Oct. 2016.
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What If Nothing Works
The last line of defense for all allergy sufferers is allergen immunotherapy. This can be in the form of allergy shots or tablets that dissolve under the tongue. Immunotherapy has been shown to be effective in adults and older children, and particularly in preventing allergic asthma. While women may not start immunotherapy during pregnancy, you may be able to continue the treatment during pregnancy if your provider tells you it’s OK to do so. If you’ve tried other medications and they didn’t relieve your allergies, see your healthcare provider. They may refer you to a specialist for allergen immunotherapy.
How And When To Use It
The usual dose for the inhaler is 1 or 2 puffs, taken twice a day.
It’s important to use your fluticasone inhaler or nebuliser regularly to manage your symptoms. Use it regularly, even if you do not have any symptoms. After using your inhaler, always put the lid back on to keep it clean.
Fluticasone inhalers come in different strengths. Your doctor, asthma or respiratory nurse will tell you which strength is right for you. Always follow their instructions. They may tell you to have more than 2 puffs at a time from your inhaler. It depends on how bad your breathing is and which inhaler you’re using.
The usual dose for the nebuliser is 1 or 2 nebules, breathed in from the nebuliser machine, twice a day. Your doctor or nurse will give you clear instructions on how to use the nebuliser.
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Main Findings From This Study
- 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.
- Researchers found many studies on antihistamine medications typically used to treat allergies, asthma, or nausea and vomiting .
- Examples of H1-receptor antagonists include diphenhydramine , dimenhydrinate , loratadine , and cetirizine .
- Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant and you have taken any medicine or are thinking of taking any medicine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as dietary or herbal products.
- Pregnant women should not stop or start taking any type of medication that they need without first talking with a doctor.
- 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.
What About Rinses And Irrigation With Saline
Nasal saline irrigation can help improve symptoms of nasal congestion from allergies. This refers to bottle sprayers or nasal rinses with bulb syringes that are meant to be used daily to help with stuffy noses. In fact, in a study of pregnant women, nasal saline irrigation was shown to be beneficial for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
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Which Allergy Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy
Can you take Benadryl while pregnant? What about Claitan? Heres the scoop on whats safe for pregnancy, so you dont have to suffer from a stuffy nose and itchy eyes in silence!
While many women report that their allergies improve or disappear during pregnancy, some still experience symptoms. If you’re among them, you should know that there plenty of ways to relieve symptoms both with and without medication.
Your best defense against allergy symptoms is to avoid the triggers that cause them. Of course, you can’t control what happens outside, but you can reduce your exposure in your home by wearing a mask when you dust or vacuum, keeping pets out of your bedroom, and protecting your mattress and pillows with special covers to keep out dust mites. Using a dehumidifier to keep the air in your home under 50 percent humidity can also help fend off mites and mold.
- RELATED: Pregnancy and Seasonal Allergies
Its always best to avoid taking any type of medication during pregnancy, if possible. That said, if allergies or nasal congestion due to upper-respiratory infection are keeping you from sleeping, eating, or participating fully in your life, your doctor is likely to consider Claritin to help you cope with your symptoms. Rest assured that after years of research on animals and humans, Claritin has been classified as safe to use during pregnancy. Antihistamines like Chlor-Trimeton and Benadryl are also deemed safe for pregnant women to take.
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!
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Do Allergies Get Worse With Pregnancy
During pregnancy, allergy symptoms can become more severe for around one-third of women who are expecting mothers. Another one-third of people report that their allergy symptoms do not change. And still another one-third of people report that their allergy problems go better while they are pregnant.
Do Allergies Get Worse During Pregnancy
It depends on the woman and the severity of allergies during pregnancy. About one-third of moms-to-be find their allergy symptoms tend to worsen during pregnancy. Another one-third find their allergy symptoms stay the same. And another one-third find their allergy symptoms actually improve during pregnancy.
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Allergy Medications For Pregnancy And Children
Choosing the safest allergy relief medication can be overwhelming, especially if you’re pregnant or looking for the best allergy medicine for kids.
Here you’ll find answers to your questions about allergy pills and common allergy medicines, including if you can take allergy medications during pregnancy and which allergy medications are safe for children.
Is It Safe To Use Flonase During Pregnancy
Rhinitis is characterized by congestion, which usually involves a stuffy, dripping nose and coughing. There are two types of rhinitis: allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.
Allergies are common during pregnancy, and pregnant women may respond to allergens differently than they normally do. Some experience pregnancy rhinitis, or non-allergic rhinitis.
Flonase is used to treat rhinitis from seasonal and year-round allergies.
As with many drugs, there is limited research available about the safety of Flonase during pregnancy. However, a recent research analysis indicated that intranasal corticosteroid sprays like Flonase are likely to be considered safe if taken at proper doses as prescribed by a doctor after a full medical evaluation.
Discussing your allergy symptoms, along with any concerns about medications, with your doctor is the best option for finding an effective treatment during pregnancy.
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