Can Pregnant Women Take Zyrtec?

Taking drugs during pregnancy is sometimes quite tricky. Fortunately for expecting mothers with allergy issues, there`re several allergy drugs which are usually seen as safe to use while pregnant, and Zyrtec is considered one of these medications.

Can Pregnant Women Take Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is considered an antihistamine which acids in preventing and reducing the histamine reactions which may appear as a response to various allergens.

This medication is available on the market for over 10 years, and there hasn`t been any reports of side effects when used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The drug is also known as cetirizine and it`s classified in FDA Drug Category B.

Specialists normally advise patients to take Zyrtec when it comes to seasonal allergic reactions, but Zyrtec can be used as a complimentary method of treatment when patients with allergic reactions to food or asthma are involved as well.

Zyrtec can be used while pregnant, but you still need to get in touch with your doctor or, at least, your midwife before using it.

Instruction when Using Zyrtec

Zyrtec normally comes as a tablet of 10 mg. Just one tablet needs to be taken per day. Other generic Zyrtec versions include a 5 mg option.

If you don`t experience extreme allergic reactions, and you only require a bit of relief, you can choose to use this drug.

Zyrtec has to be used at the same hour every day. However, if it may happen for you to miss one dose, you can take one pill as soon as you can. If you just remembered that you have to take a dose near the time when your dose was scheduled, it`s not such a big deal if you skip one dose.

Still, try to avoid taking 2 doses of this medication at the very same time.

What about Zyrtec-D?

So, we established that Zyrtec is a category B drug when it comes to FDA. However, when it comes to Zyrtec-D is a completely different story.

The “D” in its name comes from the term “decongestant,” meaning it has pseudoephedrine in its content (which is a Class C category medication).

Medications from the C category mean that the research performed on animals that were pregnant have discovered side effects on their fetuses. And just like medications from the B category, there have not really been studies that were too well controlled on expecting mothers.

Lots of doctors will ask their pregnant patients to try and avoid medication from the C category. However, other ones might let you take some of these drugs in moderation, if they indeed need to be taken.

You should most definitely have a discussion with the doctor who supervises your pregnancy regarding the need of taking Zyrtec-D.

Side Effects of Zyrtec when Used while Pregnant?

There is a test performed on rats with Zyrtec that discovered no effects whatsoever regarding fertility, labeling this medication as having no associations with birth defects.

Still, a long drug use might come up certain medical complications, which might be dangerous for both the mother and her future child.

Respiratory Issues

There have been some really rare reports recorded of asthma, wheezing, sinusitis and coughing.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Prolonged Zyrtec consumption is associated with a few gastrointestinal issues that include vomiting, dry mouth, dyspepsia, increased appetite and nausea.

Hepatic Issues

Although quite rare, there are side effects that involve hepatic problems, which may involve abnormalities related to the liver.

This medication is found to have some really powerful association with the alteration of the way patients think. It`s also been found to affect alertness in certain patients, and it`s really recommended not to do heavy duty tasks or operate any kind of mechanical machines which need attention when being on a dosage that include Zyrtec.

Some severe and less common negative effects of this drug involve:

• Weakness.
• Insomnia.
• Blurry vision.
• Urination issues.
• Sleeplessness or insomnia.

Some less severe negative effects include:

• Dizziness.
• Constipation & nausea.
• Fatigue.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache.

Allergy Relief Alternatives to Zyrtec

While using this particular medication while pregnant is most of the time a normal thing, there are certain women who may be interested in avoiding drugs and turn to other alternatives that involve allergy relief.

Here`re a few drug-free methods that can be used to aid relieve seasonal allergic reactions.

• Avoiding pollen peak time frames – Pollen is a massive trigger of allergies. If it also involves you, you should try and remain indoors as the day starts and then again around the middle of the day when it`s considered the pollen count to be at the highest.
• Physical exercise – Research proves that exercises and workout could in fact aid ease the inflammation of the nose.
• Using saline – Lots of people who experience allergic reactions are making use of saline spray in order to flush out the nasal passages and get them rid of various irritants. You could try and use a neti pot that is filled with saline water as well.
• Close the windows – Although most people love fresh air, it isn`t a good idea when it comes people suffering of allergies, especially when talking about pregnant women. You should try and maintain the windows closed while in allergy season, and if it is hot outside, just use the air conditioner.

Is Zyrtec Safe during Breastfeeding?

Zyrtec is believed to pass from mother to her baby through her breast milk. Still, there aren`t any real evidence involving breastfeeding babies.

Although there are some studies performed on laboratory rats that discovered impaired fetal development when mother rats were given this drug during breastfeeding, the same effects hasn`t been recorded regarding studies involving human population.

Still, If you`re worried regarding the usage of this medication during breastfeeding, you should talk to your physician.

Talk to your Doctor

Any future mother is recommended to get in touch her physician if they want to take Zyrtec tablets. As already mentioned, not all doctors advise their patients towards this medication during pregnancy due to its effects on long term.

Due to this reason, most pregnant women turn to other alternatives just to be sure they avoid any possible risks.