• About
  • Contact
  • Pinterest
Pregged.com
  • Pregnancy
    • Getting Pregnant
      • Am I Pregnant?
      • Unplanned Pregnancy
      • Miscarriage
      • Pregnancy Symptoms
      • Pregnancy Health
      • Mental Health
      • 1st Trimester
      • 2nd Trimester
      • 3rd Trimester
    • Week by Week
    • Getting Ready
      • Labor
      • Birth
      • Postpartum
      • Baby
      • Baby Names
      • Baby Astrology
      • Breastfeeding
    • Essentials
      • Pregnancy Products
      • Maternity Wear
      • Baby Gear
      • Diapers
      • Postpartum Products
      • Gift Ideas
  • Local
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships
  • Technology
  • Pregnancy
    • Getting Pregnant
      • Am I Pregnant?
      • Unplanned Pregnancy
      • Miscarriage
      • Pregnancy Symptoms
      • Pregnancy Health
      • Mental Health
      • 1st Trimester
      • 2nd Trimester
      • 3rd Trimester
    • Week by Week
    • Getting Ready
      • Labor
      • Birth
      • Postpartum
      • Baby
      • Baby Names
      • Baby Astrology
      • Breastfeeding
    • Essentials
      • Pregnancy Products
      • Maternity Wear
      • Baby Gear
      • Diapers
      • Postpartum Products
      • Gift Ideas
  • Local
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships
  • Technology
Home » Pregnancy » FAQ » Can I Take Antihistamines While I’m Pregnant? (Claritin®, Zyrtec® etc)

Can I Take Antihistamines While I’m Pregnant? (Claritin®, Zyrtec® etc)

   Medically reviewed by Yeniset Santana PharmD
  Published on January 27th, 2024
Can I Take Antihistamines While I’m Pregnant? (Claritin®, Zyrtec® etc)
Advertisment

Written by our resident Pharmacist, Yeniset Santana.

Antihistamines are a common over the counter medication that most of us have used at one time or another, but are they safe for use during pregnancy?

The answer depends on which ones you use, whether they have been prescribed by a doctor or not and how long you intend to use them for.

The most common use for antihistamines is in the treatment of allergy symptoms, but they are also used for insomnia, travel sickness and nausea. Some are even prescribed for morning sickness.

Let’s look at which antihistamines are used for different types of symptoms, which are safe to use in pregnancy and which should be avoided.

Understanding Antihistamines

H1 antihistamines are classified as either 1st generation (sedating) or 2nd generation (non-sedating). Sometimes, H1 antihistamines are indicated to promote sleep and to control nausea.

Common H1 Antihistamines Widely Used Around the Globe

1st Generation:

Loratadine
Hydroxyzine
Chlorpheniramine
Clemastine
Diphenhydramine
Doxylamine
Meclizine

2nd Generation:

Cetirizine
Desloratadine
Fexofenadine
Levocetirizine

Safe Use of H1 Antihistamines in Pregnancy

Loratadine (Claritin®)

Loratadine, more commonly known as Claritin®, is a commonly used H1 non-sedating second-generation antihistamine.

Based on the the studies that have been carried out, it doesn’t seem to increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects or other problems during pregnancy.

It’s used to relieve common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny and itchy nose, itchy watery red burning eyes, and skin itch and hives.

A study was conducted on 161 women taking loratadine during the first trimester.

The study showed no differences in the rates of miscarriage or other problems in pregnancy, compared to women that didn’t use this antihistamine.

Another study with several limitations suggested a small risk for hypospadias (a condition where the opening of the penis is on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip).

After collecting more data, this study author published another paper that admitted the increased risk originally seen may have been due to study limitation.

Also, studies involving infants with hypospadias did not find that their mothers used loratadine more frequently during pregnancy.

CAUTION: Be aware that Claritin® is commonly sold in combination with decongestant medications. Decongestants are not recommended during the first trimester.

Look carefully on the label for a letter D (decongestant) or a product recommended twice daily. (Antihistamines that are recommended twice a day are more likely to contain a decongestant.)

Chlopheniramine (Piriton®, Polaramine®, Cadistin®)

It is unlikely that chlorpheniramine causes an increased chance of birth defects or pregnancy complications.

Most studies find no overall increased chance of birth defects with the use of chlorpheniramine in early pregnancy.

While two studies found a small increased chance for different types of birth defects, no pattern has been detected.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®, Sominex®, Nytol®, Allergia – C®, Respidil®)

It is unlikely that diphenhydramine would cause an increased chance for birth defects. Most studies show no increased chance of birth defects with the use of diphenhydramine in early pregnancy.

While one study suggested an increased chance of several types of birth defects, the study does not prove causation and these findings have not been confirmed.

There are rare reports of problems with the use of diphenhydramine in the third trimester.

These reports usually involve using more of the medication than is recommended or using it for long-term (chronic) use.

High levels of diphenhydramine could cause uterine hyperstimulation (contractions that are too long or too often).

Uterine hyperstimulation can affect the developing baby such as increasing the baby’s heart rate.

Uterine contractions can also lead to serious complications, including uterine rupture (a tear in the uterus) or placental abruption (when the placenta pulls away from the wall of the uterus before the baby is born).

Also, there are a few reports of withdrawal symptoms in infants whose mothers took diphenhydramine daily throughout pregnancy.

Concomitant use of temazepam and diphenhydramine may increase the chance for stillbirth or infant death shortly after birth.

Women taking benzodiazepines should talk with their health care provider before taking diphenhydramine during their pregnancy.

Doxylamine Succinate (Diclegis®, Debendox®, Lenotan®, Merbental®, Diclectin®)

Doxylamine succinate is a medication that is used as an antihistamine and a sleeping aid.

The combination of 10mg of doxylamine succinate and 10mg of pyridoxine hydrochloride is a medication used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, also called “morning sickness.”

In the United States, the combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine has been sold under the name Diclegis® since 2013.

Many years ago, it was sold under the name Bendectin®. In Canada, it has been sold under the brand name Diclectin® since 1979.

Meclizine (Antivert®, Bonine®, Dramamine®, Pyrinate®)

Based on the data available, meclizine does not seem to cause an increased chance for birth defects when used in pregnancy.

There is no data looking at the use of meclizine and the chance for other complications to a pregnancy.

Cetirizine (Aller-Tec®, Alleroff®, Zyrtec®, Cold Releive®)

Cetirizine seems to be safe in pregnancy according to multiple studies. Studies do not show an increase in miscarriage, premature delivery or low birth weight.

Fexofenadine (Allegra®)

Fexofenadine is an over-the-counter antihistamine sold under brand names that include Allegra®.

There are no studies that have looked at whether fexofenadine can increase the chance for a miscarriage or other pregnancy complications.

So far, studies on fexofenadine have not found an increase in birth defects with use of these medicines.

Alternative Ways to Deal with Allergy Symptoms

Some allergy medications could be used during pregnancy. However, before you take any allergy medication, consider other ways to reduce your symptoms by:

  1. Avoiding triggers. Limit your exposure to anything that triggers your allergy symptoms.
  2. Saline nasal spray. Over-the-counter saline nasal spray can help ease symptoms.
  3. Nasal irrigation. Use a neti pot once a day or as needed.
  4. Physical activity. Exercise helps reduce nasal inflammation.
  5. Nasal strips. Over-the-counter adhesive nasal strips can help keep your nasal passages open.
  6. Elevating the head of the bed. Raising the head of the bed by 30 to 45 degrees might help ease symptoms.

To Use Antihistamines During Pregnancy or Not?

It is important to weigh the benefits of treating allergy symptoms during pregnancy with the potential for unwanted side effects.

In women with asthma, treating allergy symptoms may decrease asthma symptoms and the need for extra asthma medicines. Allergy treatment can also lead to better sleep and emotional well-being.

Your doctor should always be your first port of call to discuss your symptoms and whether antihistamines are the right drugs for you while pregnant.

Which Antihistamines Are Safe to Use in Pregnancy? by a Pharmacist. Pregnancy Health, first pregnancy, pregnancy first trimester,

Sources:

1- https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00035701.PDF
2- https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/loratadine-pregnancy/
3- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/allergy-medications/faq-20058122
4- http://digitalcommons.law.wne.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1297&context=facschol
5- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12642825
6- https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/cetirizine/
7- https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/chlorpheniramine-pregnancy/
8- https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/meclizine-pregnancy/
9- https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/diphenhydramine-pregnancy/
10- https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/doxylamine-succinate-pyridoxine-hydrochloride-diclegisdiclectin-pregnancy/
11- https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/fexofenadine-pregnancy/

Advertisment

Related Posts

  • Pregnancy Myths Debunked: What’s True and What’s Not?
  • Early Pregnancy Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
  • Pregnancy Myths and Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions
Advertisment
Advertisment
Trending Now
8 Ovulation Myths to Ignore When You Want to Get Pregnant

8 Ovulation Myths to Ignore When You Want to Get Pregnant

When you’re trying to get pregnant it’s normal to start spending a lot of time thinking about ovulation. If you get pregnant very easily you

How Easy is it to Get Pregnant? (Trying or Not)

How Easy is it to Get Pregnant? (Trying or Not)

There are two groups of people who typically ask about how easy is it to get pregnant. Those who are really, really up for getting

Read more...
What Does Labor REALLY Feel Like?

What Does Labor REALLY Feel Like?

When you ask women what their greatest fears are about childbirth, the pain of labor is at the top of the list. The catch is

Read more...
What Are the Pros and Cons of Induction of Labor?

What Are the Pros and Cons of Induction of Labor?

Are you thinking about asking for an elective induction? Or has your healthcare provider suggested you have one? Either way it’s important to know the

Read more...
10 Things Women Hate About Being Pregnant

10 Things Women Hate About Being Pregnant

Pregnancy is a wonderful and magical time. It’s also a time of feeling constantly irritated, annoyed and bloated. Life has ups and downs and so

Read more...
Advertisment
What is a Postpartum Doula and Why Should You Hire One?

What is a Postpartum Doula and Why Should You Hire One?

What is a postpartum doula, you ask? I’m glad you asked! If you want an easier postpartum recovery, time to rest and bond with your

Read more...
6 Ways to Deal With the Fear of Miscarriage

6 Ways to Deal With the Fear of Miscarriage

Written by Psychologist, Nikolina Miljus You may not realize but the fear of miscarriage haunts every woman during the early stages of pregnancy. Whether it’s our

Read more...
4 Types of Childbirth Classes for an Easier Labor & Birth

4 Types of Childbirth Classes for an Easier Labor & Birth

From your second trimester onwards you will be bombarded with information about labor and birth. Most women naturally start to worry around this time as

Read more...
7 Questions About Ectopic Pregnancy Answered

7 Questions About Ectopic Pregnancy Answered

When you get pregnant the fertilized egg implants in the uterus which is where your baby can develop and grow. But in an ectopic pregnancy

Read more...
Can’t Poop? Safe Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy

Can’t Poop? Safe Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy

Not being able to poop (AKA constipation) is a common problem in pregnancy. Luckily there are a number of remedies you can use to help

Read more...
Advertisment
How Long Does Induction of Labor Take From Start to Finish?

How Long Does Induction of Labor Take From Start to Finish?

For many first time moms, induction of labor is one of those mysterious possibilities which causes worry and anxiety. We wonder what induction really means;

Read more...
9 Freaky Things That Can Happen to Your VJ During Pregnancy

9 Freaky Things That Can Happen to Your VJ During Pregnancy

The female body can do some seriously freaky things during pregnancy and sadly, your lady bits are NOT immune. Not only do most bodily parts

Read more...
How to Convert Weeks into Months During Pregnancy

How to Convert Weeks into Months During Pregnancy

Converting how many weeks pregnant you are into months pregnant is frankly pretty confusing. This is because months are not neatly packaged into exactly 4-week

Read more...
Preventing and Treating Yeast Infections in Pregnancy

Preventing and Treating Yeast Infections in Pregnancy

If you have never experienced a vaginal yeast infection then you are a very lucky woman.  A yeast infection in pregnancy isn’t anything serious but

Read more...
Blighted Ovum – It’s a Miscarriage NOT a Phantom Pregnancy

Blighted Ovum – It’s a Miscarriage NOT a Phantom Pregnancy

What is a Blighted Ovum? Even though a blighted ovum is a very common form of miscarriage affecting up to 20% of all known pregnancies,

Read more...
Advertisment
Join the Pregged Community
Follow us
  • Pinterest
Disclosure

Some of the links on Pregged lead to sites we are affiliated with, such as Amazon, and we may earn revenue from them.

The material on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or in place of therapy or medical care. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Links
  • About
  • Contact
  • T & C’s
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Standards
Copyright © 2023 Pregged.com. All rights reserved