Can you take Zyrtec when pregnant?

Understanding Zyrtec Use During Pregnancy
As allergy season approaches or symptoms flare up, many expectant mothers may wonder about the safety of taking medications like Zyrtec, known generically as cetirizine. This second-generation antihistamine is commonly used to alleviate allergy symptoms, but its use during pregnancy raises important questions regarding safety and potential risks.
Safety Profile of Zyrtec in Pregnancy
According to recent findings, Zyrtec is generally considered safe for use during all trimesters of pregnancy. Medical professionals often recommend it only when necessary, emphasizing that while it can provide relief from allergy symptoms, it should not be used indiscriminately. The FDA classifies cetirizine as a Pregnancy Category B medication, indicating that there is no proven risk to humans based on available studies. This classification suggests that animal reproduction studies have not shown any adverse effects, and while human studies are limited, the potential benefits of using Zyrtec may outweigh the risks for many women.
Considerations and Recommendations
While Zyrtec is deemed safe, it is crucial for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any medication. The guidance from health professionals is vital, as they can assess individual health needs and circumstances. The MotherToBaby organization highlights that while cetirizine is generally safe, it should not replace personalized medical advice.
Moreover, some studies have indicated that long-term use of antihistamines, including cetirizine, might have implications for male fertility, although these findings primarily concern sperm counts and are less relevant to pregnant women directly.
Alternatives and Non-Pharmacological Options
For those who prefer to avoid medications altogether, there are non-pharmacological strategies to manage allergy symptoms during pregnancy. These may include avoiding known allergens, using saline nasal sprays, or employing air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens. However, if symptoms are severe, the benefits of using Zyrtec may outweigh the risks, especially since second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine (Claritin) do not appear to increase overall fetal risk.
Conclusion
In summary, Zyrtec can be a safe option for managing allergy symptoms during pregnancy, but it should be used judiciously and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. As always, the health and safety of both the mother and the developing fetus should be the primary concern when considering any medication during this critical time.

What is the safest anti allergy medicine during pregnancy?

Safety of antihistamines during pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) have recommended chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine as the antihistamines of choice for pregnant women.

Can I take Zyrtec with Prenatal?

Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Prenatal Multivitamins and Zyrtec. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Will Zyrtec affect milk supply?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

Does Zyrtec decrease milk supply?

High doses of sedating antihistamines have been reported by mothers to decrease milk production, but there is no scientific proof this occurs.

Can Zyrtec affect getting pregnant?

The Web: According to reports on the web, when you’re trying to conceive, these allergy-inhibitors — think Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin, for example — may also have a negative effect on the egg’s attempt to implant in the uterus because they, in essence, block the action of the chemical called histamine, which …

Is Zyrtec safe during breastfeeding?

Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include: Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are the recommended antihistamines when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra and Xyzal.

What can I take for allergies while pregnant?

Choices that you can buy without a prescription include the nasal sprays budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief), and mometasone (Nasonex 24HR Allergy). Your health care professional also might recommend certain decongestants to treat a stuffy nose.

Is Zyrtec safe to take while pregnant?

We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like cetirizine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies involving over 1,300 pregnancies exposed to cetirizine did not show an increased chance of birth defects.

Can I take anything for seasonal allergies while pregnant?

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.

Why can’t you take allergy medicine while pregnant?

Be sure to talk with your care team before you try pseudoephedrine. Using it during the first trimester may be linked with a risk of serious birth defects. Mary Marnach, M.D.