{"id":61748,"date":"2023-11-30T09:30:35","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T14:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=61748"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:24:49","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:24:49","slug":"can-you-take-zyrtec-while-pregnant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-you-take-zyrtec-while-pregnant\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you take Zyrtec while pregnant?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a popular over-the-counter antihistamine used to <\/span>treat allergy symptoms<\/span><\/a> like sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, and itching. Being pregnant doesn’t make you immune from allergies—and, in some cases, many find that their <\/span>allergy symptoms actually get worse<\/span><\/a> during pregnancy. So it’s understandable to wonder if you can take Zyrtec while expecting. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s what you need to know about the safety of Zyrtec during pregnancy, along with other pregnancy-safe alternatives for treating allergy symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take Zyrtec while pregnant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> is considered safe to take during all three trimesters of pregnancy, says <\/span>Monte Swarup, MD<\/span><\/a>, an OB-GYN based in Arizona and founder of HPV Hub. There have been numerous studies showing no link to birth defects with antihistamines taken during pregnancy. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to a <\/span>review of studies released by the American Academy of Family Physicians <\/span><\/a>(AAFP), at least four studies on Zyrtec during pregnancy have shown no evidence of increased risk to a developing fetus. Zyrtec is part of the second generation of over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines along with <\/span>Claritin<\/span><\/a> (loratadine) and <\/span>Allegra<\/span><\/a> (fexofenadine), which the AAFP says have all been shown to be relatively safe for use during pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Zyrtec has been shown to be safe, Dr. Swarup says you should still take it only when necessary. In other words, limit your Zyrtec use to those times when you are experiencing symptoms of hay fever or are going to be near something you’re allergic to, like cats or certain trees. You should also take the lowest effective dose (usually 10 milligrams). <\/span><\/p>\n

What are the risks of taking Zyrtec while pregnant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used to rely heavily on a <\/span>letter-based rating system for drug safety during pregnancy<\/span><\/a>, with category A drugs being the safest to take, category X drugs being contraindicated because the risks outweigh the benefits, and category B, C, and D drugs varying in safety and adverse effects. <\/span><\/p>\n

The FDA is beginning to move away from that rating system, says <\/span>Alyssa Dweck<\/span><\/a>, MD, an OB-GYN and medical adviser for INTIMINA. Zyrtec has always been a category B drug, which means it’s been <\/span>proven safe in animal studies<\/span><\/a>, but not enough adequate or well-controlled studies have been performed in humans for it to be a category A drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Dr. Swarup, there are no known risks for the fetus when a pregnant woman is taking Zyrtec, and the only potential risk for her is drowsiness. Drowsiness is a common side effect of many antihistamines, though it tends to be <\/span>less common among second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec<\/span><\/a>.  <\/span><\/p>\n

What can I take instead of Zyrtec during pregnancy?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you need an antihistamine and <\/span>can’t take Zyrtec<\/span><\/a>, there are thankfully several other types of allergy medications that are considered safe for pregnancy. <\/span><\/p>\n

Claritin and Allegra, two other second-generation oral antihistamines, are the most obvious swaps, but if you prefer to stick with first-generation antihistamines, Dr. Dweck says OTCs <\/span>chlorpheniramine<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>dexchlorpheniramine<\/span><\/a> and prescription <\/span>hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a> are also safe, <\/span>per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)<\/span><\/a>. However, you should avoid <\/span>Benadryl<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a>) during pregnancy as it crosses the placenta and can have significant fetal effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re hoping to avoid oral antihistamines altogether, there are also alternative types of allergy medicines that can help treat and relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Dr. Swarup, this includes intranasal steroid spray <\/span>Flonase<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>fluticasone<\/span><\/a>), which is available over the counter) and nasal saline rinses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Several other OTC intranasal steroid sprays, such as <\/span>Nasonex<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>mometasone<\/span><\/a>) and <\/span>Rhinocort<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>budesonide<\/span><\/a>), have also been shown to be safe for use during pregnancy, per a <\/span>2018 study<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

As always, it is best practice to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural remedies for allergies during pregnancy<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some pregnant women would prefer not to take any medication unless they have no other choice. If you’re on the hunt for <\/span>non-pharmaceutical ways to treat your allergies<\/span><\/a> during pregnancy, there are a few strategies you can try. <\/span><\/p>\n