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Hello, I Just Found Out I Am Pregnant And Currently
Question: Hello, I just found out I am pregnant and currently only 3.5 weeks along. I had an allergic reaction to a dog and took Claritin for my swollen itchy eyes. I didn't realize the Claritin I had was the one combined with a decongestant. (Claritin D) is this harmful to my baby this early in my pregnancy?
Brief Answer:
There is a slightly increased risk with decongestants- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Claritine itself is category B drug during pregnancy, this means it is safe to use during pregnancy.
Claritine D contains Claritine and pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is a category C which means it is recommended to use sparingly, especially in the first trimester. This is because there are suspicions that decongestants, especially Pseudoephedrine may be associated with a slight increase in the risk for birth defects (ears, eyes, heart, stomach, and limbs) if used in the first trimester.
In your case:
- I would advise you to avoid using it further and avoid using any medications without the recommendation of the doctor. Paracetamol is a drug that can be used safely, the rest you need to make sure with a doctor.
- very likely, if you used it very shortly, you are fine and there is nothing to worry about.
- Please be reminded that the above risks are in the stage of a hypothesis (it is suspected) and very likely the risk is increased only slightly compared to the risk of the general population for such defects. So, they are not very common and you do not need to worry, as long as you do not take any other medications without the advice of your doctor (paracetamol is safe, if used in the proper dose).
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
There is a slightly increased risk with decongestants- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Claritine itself is category B drug during pregnancy, this means it is safe to use during pregnancy.
Claritine D contains Claritine and pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is a category C which means it is recommended to use sparingly, especially in the first trimester. This is because there are suspicions that decongestants, especially Pseudoephedrine may be associated with a slight increase in the risk for birth defects (ears, eyes, heart, stomach, and limbs) if used in the first trimester.
In your case:
- I would advise you to avoid using it further and avoid using any medications without the recommendation of the doctor. Paracetamol is a drug that can be used safely, the rest you need to make sure with a doctor.
- very likely, if you used it very shortly, you are fine and there is nothing to worry about.
- Please be reminded that the above risks are in the stage of a hypothesis (it is suspected) and very likely the risk is increased only slightly compared to the risk of the general population for such defects. So, they are not very common and you do not need to worry, as long as you do not take any other medications without the advice of your doctor (paracetamol is safe, if used in the proper dose).
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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