Allergy Meds While Pregnant - Zanesville,OH

Updated on March 29, 2010
S.M. asks from Zanesville, OH
18 answers

I was hoping someone might know of an allergy medicine that is safe to use during pregnancy. I get chronic sinus infections from my allergies. Last time I was pregnant I was on antibiotics almost every other week. I'm really dreading going through that again - I have a 2 year old to keep up with! I had been taking the generic form of Nasonex and doing fine, but the pharmacist told me it's not safe during pregnancy because it has steroids in it. Any ideas? Thank you!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

I called my doctor and he won't prescribe me anything else while I'm pregnant unless it gets much worse. He recommended saline spray, which I'm using now, but I'll have to wait and see if it helps in the long run. I'm also looking into a neti-pot, that seems like it would work pretty well. Thanks for all the tips!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.G.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Zyrtec or Claritin are both ok to take. You can also take benedryl but it does make me sleepy. Hope that helps

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Detroit on

I am able to take Allegra D, Singular, and over the counter Sudafed. I was on Zyrtec but went off it a few years ago because it made me too tired!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Columbus on

I would suggest nasal irrigation. If drugs/antibiotics concern you, nasal irrigation is a non-drug treatment, where you rinse out your nasal passages with saline solution. It has been proven to help allergy sufferers with the stuffiness. It literally rinses the allergens out of your nose. It can take 5-10 minutes to do, and for best effect probably needs to be done daily during allergy season. But it is pretty darn inexpensive; our netti pot was $15, and we've had it & have used it for the last 6 or 7 years now, and we make our saline solution at home with table salt & water. You can also use Alkalol (not alcohol, LOL- here is the link http://www.alkalolcompany.com), which is a herbal solution with eucalyptus & mint & some other stuff, which really clears out the sinuses. We use the netti pot with saline solution during allergy season & the Alkalol when we have colds. We also use Vicks at night, just under the nose, to help with breathing at night. Good luck; I feel your pain!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Dallas on

Talk with ur doctor. Mine allows me to take zyrtec OTC.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Dayton on

I've been told Benadryl and Zyrtec are safe, but I would try a Neti pot or a nasal wash of some kind (I use Ayr and like it better than the Neti pot). Use the nasal wash everyday as a preventative and to help with whatever you have now. I've read that in addition to washing the mucus out it can wash the germs out too keeping you healthier. Good luck - sinuses are notorious for being bad when you are pregnant.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.S.

answers from Tulsa on

i am allergy induced asthmatic. I took benedryl while preg. it was the lesser of the evils. either that or quit breathing. I dont do nasonex I do saline spray and actually like the results better. I had a sinus infection for 4 months during last pregnancy. do what you ob says not the pharmacist. he has a safe list and they will say on the box dont take if pregnant. but my ob gave me a safe list of over the counters.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.

answers from Cleveland on

Zyrtec is safe. I have taken it through 2 of my pregnancies.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Dayton on

I have had sinus infections before and I am not a huge fan of the Nasonex (it works when I take it regularly, unfortunately my work schedule has me all over the map and I always seem to forget to take it as its prescribed to me). That being said I have tried a much cheaper alternative that allows me to use it when my sinuses are acting up, I use a saline nasal spray (there are many forms or them out there at the pharmacy). What you do is lean over a sink with your head tilted to one side and spray the saline in your nose and it washes out any sort of debris that could be causing irritation. I find if I use it my sinuses are good for a while after. Maybe talk to a pharmacist or your health care provider to make sure its safe to do while pregnant, or if there is a limit to how often you can use the saline spray. I think all should be well as there is only salt water in the solution :)
Good luck! and Congrats!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

Get a Neti Pot! Use it religiously, morning and night. It feels funny at first, but it makes SO much difference. My MIL gets a lot of sinus infections and hasn't had one since she started using a neti pot over a year ago:) I got mine for $8 on sale at Walgreens.
Otherwise, yes, there are some you can take and some you can't. I think Benadryl is fine, just talk to your midwife/doc about it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Toledo on

Limabean I think you should talk to me about a natural way to handle your allergies. Maybe you won't have to take any meds at all. I work with shaklee and we have all natural ways to handle these kind of situations. Did you know that you can deal with allergies naturally? It may also be environmental. Would love to talk to you about it. I would stay away from meds while pregnant. Good Luck
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.Q.

answers from Great Falls on

With all 3 of mine, I was told I could take Benedryl - but that junk knocks me out! So, I tried to only take it at night.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.M.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I would ask about Zyrtec - I have severe astha/allergies and I know it was tough when I got pregnant, they had to switch me off of the high doses of steroids (uggggghhhhhh.) But I am positive that they kept me on the Zyrtec, and now of course it's OTC, so easier to get - and it works so good for me :) Good luck! If you are not sure with your current doctor - have them refer you to an allergy specialist, and they can get you on the perfect meds for pregnancy - they know what drugs are better.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.W.

answers from Cleveland on

Have you ever tried using a netipot to rinse your nasal cavity? No medicine is involved only salt. There is also a nasal spray called 4way saline mist. I love it . It has eucalyptus in it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

Talk to your Dr. first off. I found out if I drink ALOT of water, yes, I know, but it really does help. Also, try drinking orange juice. I get sinus infections if I don't get enough sleep, or do something dumb like go out when it's cold with wet hair......so try to watch what you do a little more and try to drink in more water and eat better foods. Look on the internet for sinus and allergy foods.
Congratulations on your pregnancy.
Take care and good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

I was allowed to continue taking Zyrtec and Sudafed when I was pregnant. Some of the other posts mention using a saline spray/rinse. My ENT (ear/nose/throat dr.) recommended I use Sinus Rinse, by NeilMed. It will totally flush out your sinuses. You can find it at most pharmacies (I know I've seen it at Walgreens and CVS), or online at sinusrinse.com.
Best Wishes!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.A.

answers from Toledo on

I thought you could take Benedryl....but check with the doctor first! Or you can research it online

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

I was told by my doctor that Claritin and Zyrtec are safe to take during pregnancy for nasal allergies.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.G.

answers from Portland on

Do you have any place where you can buy local honey or bee pollen? Local honey will have all the allergens in it that cause you problems, and by eating the honey it will help your body fight it off better.
Bee pollen is edible, VERY good for you and has the same effect that honey does- possibly the best food out there for us.
I get mine at a local farmers market- that way I KNOW it comes from "local" bees. Try looking at your farmers markets or if there are any small local stores in your area.
I pay $5 for a baggy of bee pollen and honey can get a little expensive, but SO worth it if it works and you don't have to be on meds.
Good luck! :)

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions