Is Zyrtec D Safe During Pregnancy

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cetirizine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma

• an enlarged prostate or

• problems with urination.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Zyrtec-D will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant.

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from Zyrtec-D.

Conditions Treated By Zyrtec And Zyrtec

Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D are both FDA-approved to treat allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Both drugs are primarily indicated for seasonal allergic rhinitis, which causes symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. Both drugs can also treat other symptoms of seasonal allergies such as itchy, watery eyes .

Zyrtec is FDA approved to treat hives, or chronic urticaria. Allergic reactions on the skin can often manifest as hives and itching. Because Zyrtec-D contains a nasal decongestant, regular Zyrtec is used for skin reactions.

Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Zyrtec Vs Zyrtec

Zyrtec is an over-the-counter medicine that isnt generally covered by Medicare and insurance plans. In some cases, it may be covered with a prescription from a doctor. The average retail price of Zyrtec is around $15 to $20, depending on tablet strength and quantity. SingleCare offers a Zyrtec coupon card that can lower this price to as little as $3.

Most Medicare and insurance plans wont cover Zyrtec-D because, like other oral antihistamines, its found over the counter. The average retail cost is around $30 to $50 depending on the number of tablets. If you have a prescription you can use a SingleCare discount card for Zyrtec-D to save more and bring the cost down to $10 for 12-hour tablets. Check with your pharmacy to see if they accept discount cards.

This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more. *not reported

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Are Decongestants Safe During Pregnancy

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 are 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 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 a decongestant or an antihistamine 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.

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.

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What Other Drugs Will Affect Zyrtec

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Zyrtec-D if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking Zyrtec-D with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Can I Use Zyrtec Or Zyrtec

Zyrtec is generally safe for use during pregnancy. Zyrtec-D contains pseudoephedrine, which is not recommended during the first trimester or while breastfeeding. Pseudoephedrine can pass through breast milk. Although the risk of birth defects may be low, its best to use caution. Consult your doctor for the best allergy medicine to take while pregnant.

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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.

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Zyrtec

Although Zyrtec-D is generally safe to take, it is possible to overdose if consumed in high amounts.

Overdoses have been reported with cetirizine alone. Doses ranging from 150 milligrams to 180 milligrams have been observed to cause adverse reactions in people. Signs that you have taken too much cetirizine can include:

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How To Safely Take Your Medicine During Pregnancy

You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating: Never take any medication, supplement or herbal remedy without checking with your health care provider first. A few more tips to keep in mind:

If you have questions about how or when to take a medication, always talk to your practitioner first.

Figuring out what’s safe and what’s not safe to take during pregnancy can be difficult. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone.

What Are The Main Differences Between Zyrtec And Zyrtec

The main difference between Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D is that Zyrtec-D contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine. Also known by its brand name, Sudafed, pseudoephedrine works by shrinking blood vessels to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages.

Zyrtec is the brand name for cetirizine. It is available as an oral syrup, orally disintegrating tablet and oral tablet. Children aged 2 to 6 years old can be given the oral syrup. Zyrtec tablets can be administered to children, adolescents, and adults 6 years and older. Zyrtec can be purchased over the counter.

Zyrtec-D contains cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. It is only available as an oral tablet for adults and children 12 years and older. While Zyrtec can be found in the pharmacy aisles, Zyrtec-D is usually stored behind the counter at the pharmacy. This is because there are restrictions on how much pseudoephedrine can be sold to a person at a given time.

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What Other Medications May Interact With Zyrtec

Tell your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescription drugs, OTC products, and vitamins or supplements.

Zyrtec-D should not be used with the following drugs because of the risk of severe high blood pressure:

• Migranal, Trudhesa , an analgesic used to treat migraines
• MAOI drugs, such as Azilect , Marplan , Nardil , or Parnate , should not be used within 14 days of Zyrtec-D

Triptan medications, commonly prescribed for migraine, can also increase blood pressure and should only be used with Zyrtec-D if approved by your healthcare provider. Examples of triptans include Imitrex and Maxalt .

Alcohol and drugs that cause CNS depression should not be taken with Zyrtec-D. Examples include:

• Benzodiazepines , such as Valium or Xanax
• Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril or Skelaxin
• Opioid pain medications like codeine, oxycodone, OxyContin , Percocet , Ultram , and Anexsia
• Sleeping medications such as Ambien or Lunesta

Do not use Zyrtec-D with other antihistamines or decongestants.

Other drug interactions may occur with Zyrtec-D. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of drug interactions.

What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Take Zyrtec

Zyrtec-D is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take this medication if allergic to cetirizine, pseudoephedrine, or any inactive ingredients in Zyrtec-D. People allergic to Vistaril also should not take Zyrtec-D.

Others who should not take Zyrtec-D include those:

• With heart disease
• Who have taken an antidepressant in the monoamine oxidase inhibitor class in the past 14 days
• In the first trimester of pregnancy
• With uncontrolled or severely high blood pressure
• Who have difficulty urinating

Zyrtec-D may be used cautiously in some people only if the healthcare provider determines it is safe. This includes those:

• With arrhythmia
• Who drink alcohol
• Who use other medications that cause central nervous system depression, which means the brain activity is slowed down, potentially enhancing the effects of drowsiness and slowed breathing
• In the second or third trimester of pregnancy
• Who are outside of the recommended age of use of 12 to 65

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How To Take Zyrtec

Read the information label and take it as directed. Do not take more than the appropriate dose.

For adults and adolescents 12 years or older, take one tablet every 12 hours. Do not exceed two tablets per day . Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew, crush, or break them.

One side effect of this medication is drowsiness, which can be enhanced by alcohol and other drugs used for sleep, anxiety, and severe pain. Avoid combining these substances and try not to do any activities that may be dangerous while experiencing drowsiness until you know Zyrtec-D will affect you.

Pregnancy And Otc Cough Cold And Analgesic Preparations

Benefits Versus RisksIn the United States, about 150,000 babies are born each year with birth defects.7 Birth defects can occur due to many nonpharmacologic factors. Some of the most common defects are spina bifida, microtia, hypoplastic left heart, cleft palate, cleft lip, esophageal atresia, anencephaly, omphalocele, and limb reduction.7 Practitioners must weigh the benefits versus the risks when recommending OTC analgesics and cough and cold preparations to pregnant women. Since ailments treated with OTC and herbal products in pregnant women are not usually life-threatening, practitioners should also consider suggesting nonpharmacologic remedies, such as rest and fluids.This article presents information on some common OTC analgesic and cough and cold preparations available. Each section discusses the product, pregnancy category, information regarding safety data in pregnancy, dosing, side effects, and contraindications. The comparison of risks and benefits must be considered for each individual patient. Information relating to when patients should refer to a physician is included to assist with the decision-making process.

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Safe Allergy Remedies During Pregnancy

• Oral antihistamines, like cetirizine , chlorpheniramine , diphenhydramine , fexofenadine , and loratadine seem to be safe. So does cromolyn sodium nasal spray and the steroid nasal spray Rhinocort, according to Web MD.
• Allergy shots: If you took allergy shots before pregnancy, your doctor might recommend you continue taking them. But do not start them while pregnant.
• Sudafed 30-60 mg every 4-6 hours can be used in the second and third trimesters in women without gestational hypertension. Avoid use in the first trimester and with breastfeeding. Sudafed PE should be avoided because of its uncertain efficacy and safety in pregnancy.

Allergy Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy

• Decongestants: During your first trimester, dont take decongestants by mouth, according to Web MD. Decongestants may make some birth defects more likely. Watch out for antihistamines combined with a decongestant. Because theres not enough evidence for their safety, avoid antihistamine nasal sprays.
• Mucinex, Mucinex D, Mucinex DM, and the extra-strength versions of each, because the six forms of Mucinex contain guaifenesin. Avoid taking any of these during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, they may be safe to use during later trimesters. Ask your doctor.

Side Effects Of Zyrtec When Used While Pregnant

There is a test performed on rats with Zyrtec that discovered no effects whatsoever regarding fertility, labeling this medication as having no associations with birth defects.

Still, a long drug use might come up certain medical complications, which might be dangerous for both the mother and her future child.

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How Long Does Zyrtec

Zyrtec-D starts to relieve symptoms in about an hour. You may need to take Zyrtec-D regularly to keep allergy symptoms at bay. Ask your healthcare provider when you should start taking Zyrtec-D and how long you should take it. Many healthcare providers recommend starting allergy medicine about two weeks before symptoms are expected to begin.

Is Zyrtec Or Zyrtec

For general symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and watery eyes, Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D are similarly effective. For a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, Zyrtec-D would be more effective because of the added decongestant.

In a double-blind, clinical study, cetirizine was found to significantly improve symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis. The study measured symptom improvement by total symptom severity complex and a questionnaire for four weeks. Compared to placebo, cetirizine significantly improved nasal symptoms after the first week .

Another randomized, controlled trial compared cetirizine with other antihistamines, such as fexofenadine and desloratadine. The study looked at 150 patients response to antihistamines with a skin prick test. Results found that the antihistamines showed similar effectiveness.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist on allergy medications that may be best for you. Your healthcare provider can give you medical advice on what to take. They may even recommend another antihistamine like Claritin or Allegra instead of Zyrtec for your symptoms.

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Is It Safer To Skip Allergy Medication Altogether When I’m Pregnant

If your symptoms aren’t bad, your doctor may suggest other treatments instead. You could allergy-proof your home or rely on saline nasal sprays.

But if allergy symptoms are a big problem — making it hard to sleep, for instance — taking medication may be better for your health and your baby’s.

If you have allergic asthma, you need to take the medication as prescribed. Uncontrolled asthma can cause serious problems during pregnancy.

About Antihistamines And This Study

About antihistamines

Antihistamines include both prescription and over-the-counter medications. They typically are used to treat

• Asthma and/or allergies

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

About this study

Researchers reviewed more than 50 published scientific articles that looked at the link between antihistamine use during pregnancy and birth defects. They evaluated the articles based on certain criteria: how researchers selected their study populations, how researchers determined antihistamine use in pregnancy, and how researchers identified babies with birth defects.

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What Drugs And Food Should I Avoid While Taking Zyrtec

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cetirizine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold or allergy medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.