Can you take antihistamines when pregnant?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Sep 23, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), several over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines may be taken during pregnancy.

Older, first-generation antihistamines can be taken, but they may cause drowsiness.

Newer, second-generation antihistamines can also be taken and have less risk of drowsiness.

Oral decongestant medication should be avoided in the first three months of pregnancy.

Allergy or cold symptoms, allergic reactions, and allergic skin rashes may occur during pregnancy. You and your pregnancy care provider may weigh the benefits and possible risks of taking medication.

According to ACOG, the safest first-generation antihistamines for pregnant women are:

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) as the first choice for pregnancy. ACAAI recommends two second-generation antihistamines if drowsiness is a problem:

Claritin (loratadine)
Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Both ACOG and ACAAI say to avoid OTC oral decongestants during your first three months of pregnancy due to a possible risk of abdominal wall birth defects. These include the decongestant Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and other decongestants, such as phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine.

Nasal spray for allergic rhinitis may be another option. Decongestant nasal sprays like Afrin and Neo-Synephrine appear to be safe in pregnancy, but can cause rebound nasal congestion if used for more than a day or two. Steroid nasal sprays may be more effective. ACAAI recommends starting with Rhinocort® (budesonide).

Always check with your pregnancy care provider before starting any OTC medication.

Can dogs take hydroxyzine?

Yes, dogs can take hydroxyzine. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that may help treat allergies, anxiety, and motion sickness in dogs. The most common side effect is drowsiness. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully on how to give hydroxyzine to your dog to avoid side effects. Continue reading

When can I start drinking if I’m no longer taking hydroxyzine?

If you have stopped taking hydroxyzine, then you should wait for at least 48 to 60 hours (2 to 2.5 days) before drinking alcohol again. But before you start drinking, be aware of the risk of replacing hydroxyzine with alcohol, especially if you have been taking hydroxyzine to treat anxiety. Alcohol, particularly frequent or large quantities of alcohol, can increase your anxiety. Other medications used to treat anxiety can also interact with alcohol so ask your healthcare provider to determine the effects of drinking alongside your new medication. Continue reading

Does Zyrtec cause weight gain?

A study has shown that Zyrtec (generic name: cetirizine) is associated with weight gain if taken over the long-term. This may occur because antihistamines can block histamine-1 (H-1) receptors which will increase your appetite. Zyrtec may also cause drowsiness in some people and lower their energy expenditure, causing weight gain.

Can you take antihistamines when pregnant?

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