Claritin - Page 2

[lunarlady]

My OB told me Claritin, Zyrtec, Benedryl, and Sudafed (the kind they keep behind the counter and you have to sign for) are all safe for use during pregnanacy. I haven't resorted to them yet, as my allergies are not full on, but I might when the season really gets going.

In the meantime I'm using my netti pot 2-3 x a day, trying to humidify things, and making sure to vaccum regularly to prevent pollen build up in the house.

[Pepper44]

I've been taking Claritin on and off during my pregnancy. It's the only thing that helps, and even some days it doesn't seem to do enough. I have the worst sinus drainage EVER. On top of pregnancy gag reflex and nausea, it gives me an even worse upset stomach and makes me gag.

I love neti pot for rinsing out sinus congestion! Unfortunately for me the neti pot only makes the drainage worse though, it rinses all of the congestion out of my head and it runs right down my throat. Yuck! (To clarify, the neti pot water runs out of my nose like normal, but after I use it that's when the drainage down my throat increases.)

[Dichotomy]

I knew to stay away from the claritin-D, but had no idea that benadryl was okay. I have bad sinuses in general, and usually have no problem taking Claritin-D or Zyrtec for my allergie woes.


However, Im a little hesitant to take medications during my pregnancy. I'll have to consult with my midwife on that one when I go into work next week.



Anybody know if Hylands Sinus dissolving tablets are ok during pregnancy? (FWIW, Im about 3-4 weeks pregnant)

[Pepper44]

My midwife told me the Hyland's tablets are fine! I've taken them several times during pregnancy.

[Kuba'sMama]

I'm surprised that so many people find Claritin helpful. I've used it several years ago and it knocked me out cold, I felt like I just took morphine or something. I couldn't keep my eyes open. Maybe they tweaked the formula since then.
I'm having a horrible time finding the right allergy medication. I've been taking Reactine for years but the couple times i took it this pregnancy it made me very drowsy as well.
Maybe I'll give Claritin another try. I'm really having a hard time this April with my allergies/asthma and being almost 36 weeks along.

[Eresh]

Kuba'smama: I don't find it makes me drowsy at all but people have their own reactions to different drugs. Claritin and Alavert are both Loratadine (that's the generic name) and shouldn't have changed formulations at all. As I previously posted, for severe allergies you pretty much have to take it every day for it to be effective. I've found if I'm not on it and end up with an allergy attack it takes about 3 days for me to be symptom free once again so for short term relief I also take Benadryl, which does make me drowsy. Though I view drowsy as a bit better than feeling like my face is going to fall off.