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Suggest Medication For Nose Congestion During 18 Weeks Of Pregnancy

Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015

Question: Dear Doctor
I am 18-weeks pregnant and suffering badly with hay fever. My main problem is my blocked nose and sensitivity to the pollen. Is there any medication I can use that won't cause any harm to my unborn child?
Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Nidhi Setia (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
loratidine, cetrizine.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM.
I understand your concerns.

Cetrizine and loratidine are considered to safe in pregnancy.
In my opinion, you can use these drugs for hay fever.

Other then this, try to avoid triggers as far as possible.

Kindly discuss about these drugs with your doctor.

Hope this helps.
Take care.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Nidhi Setia (5 days later)

Thanks for that.

I have heard that Chlorphenamine can be used if your doctor thinks it is necessary. I have also heard that Cetirizine and Loratidine are alternatives in the second and third trimester but very low numbers of people who have taken these medications when they are pregnant so on what basis can they be considered safe in pregnancy?

Have you heard about Sterimar nasal hygiene spray? Can this be used to in pregnancy to help relieve my symptoms.

What about inhaling steam would that help?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Nidhi Setia (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
extensive literature about safety in pregnancy.

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.

I would like to tell you that all the antihistaminic drugs are considered to be safe in pregnancy.

Chlorpheniramine is a first generation antihistaminic whereas cetrizine and loratidine are second generation drugs.

Based on extensive literature on their safety in pregnancy, these drugs are recommended in allergic conditions in pregnancy.

I prefer to use second generation drugs as these does not cause drowsiness. First generation drugs are highly sedating.

Sterimar nasal spray is a saline solution. This can be used in pregnancy but it can cause local irritation.

I would suggest you to preferably go for steam inhalation. This can help in relieving stuffy nose.
If not benefited with this, drugs can be used.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad