hayfever!

[nicola12]

does anyone know of any antihistimines that are safe to take during pregnancy. im 5/6 weeks and am suffering today!

[mamacool]

Hi there, I would speak to a pharmacist before taking anything over the counter. Usually they're pretty clued up on what you can and can't take during pregnancy, including the ingredients to be wary of, and they may have some good suggestions for you too.

[DrFluffy in reply to mamacool]

I would talk to a doctor. Pharmacists have many limitations, including not being able to suggest off licence prescribing and will usually err in the side of caution in pregnancy, and will tell you it's a risk benefit issue and should be discussed with a doctor. A few years ago I was a microbiology SHO (as part of my training programme) - we got a lot of calls from pharmacists re: prescribing in infections in pregnancy... I remember trying to fill a prescription for 1% hydrocortisone (a very weak topical steroid ehich you can buy eithout prescription) for some psoriasis patches on my face, as prescribed by my dermatologist... It's commonly used in psoriasis and ezcrma - he refused to dispense it as the PIL stated 'caution in the face' and 'not to be used on broken skin' - which is of course what psoriasis and ezcrma are!!!

Takl to your GP, but Certirizine is a good place to start for day time symptoms - it's non-sedating, and considered safe in pregnancy, but there are no specific studies in pregnant cohorts. If it's night time symptoms, the same goes for chlorpheniramime - but with the same caveats.

[2princes1princess]

Hi hun.im in exactly same boat except im breast feeding u asked gp what I could take but he said no proven tablets safe for me I hope its different for pregnancy hun xx

[wendywoo82]

My midwife told me that piriton is safe to take whilst pregnant but you should check with your midwife/gp first! Until you find out for sure try using some none medicinal methods such as a thin layer of vaseline around the nasal passage to stop pollen getting in! Hope this helps a little! Gl and tc xx

[lottiesmum]

I've always been told beconase abd opticrom considered safe too. x

[SilkeP]

I've been taking Piriton and have been told by my dermatologist that this really is the only antihistamine I can take (I've got lots of allergies and eczema and used to be on very sterng anti-histamines. I've been taking Piriton for four months now and midwife etc are also happy with it.

[cupc4ke10]

I got Piriton from the doctors but a low dose and am allowed to take upto 4 tablets a day. I was doing great until yesterday when I had to take 2, today I suspect will be the same but at least I have the option to take more if needed.

Good luck x

[rachie222]

Hi,

Am new to this...very early pregnancy and in a state of shock (in fact I think I'm in denial at the mo)...anyway I too suffer with hayfever and cupcake is right. My dad works with the out of hours doctors so he asked the doctor yesterday what hayfever medication was ok in pregnancy. Piriton is classed as the only one as it has been around for years and has had studies on it. The actual name of the medication is cetirizine hydrochloride (rather than piriton as this is the brand) which is what I have from the doctors so yey! Nasal sprays and eye drops are also fine.

xx

[DrFluffy in reply to rachie222]

Certerizine is not piriton - chlorpheniramime is...

[Purplecakelady]

I usually suffer with really bad hay fever and asked my midwife what I could safely take. She said I must speak to my GP. I usually take Piriton tablets and use Beconase nasal spray. My GP said it's not recommended to take any tablets and not to take Piriton but I could safely use a nasal spray and Beconase was fine as long as I only took a low dose and used no more than twice a day.

I suggest you speak to your GP as everyone is different. I am 22 weeks and bizarrely my hay fever isn't as bad this year being pregnant. The nasal spray works well.

[bakedbean1]

Hi i suffered early on and went to sainsburys and found prevalin which is a pregnancy allowed nasal spray. Worked wonders would def recommend

[nicola12]

thank you all for you messages my gp told me to stop taking my regular antihistimines but I don't think she realised how much that would effect me. in an ideal world I wouldn't take any medication whilst pregnant but its making me real miserable. also had to give up smoking so that's added to the stress. im going on hols tomorrow so can lay on a sun lounger for 2 weeks and chill. will see my gp again when I get back. thank you.

[michellejeffers]

Awww I really feel for you, I know exactly how you feel. My Hayfever had been horrendous and I am praying for this hot spell to finish. It got so bad last Sunday that I had to call NHS Direct. I sneezed 30 times in a row and I was wheezing more and more each time. My throat was swollen and I came out in raised bumps on my face. NHS Direct were a bit unsure about what I could take. The Nurse sounded like she was reading from a guide rather than giving me firm advice. She said that I could take Loratadine if I really needed to. I did buy some but was scared to take it as the instructions did state that it was not suitable for pregnant women (I believe they all say that to cover their backs). I did take one days worth on Saturday for a friends wedding but wasn't happy about it. The only thing that has helped me is to stay inside and close myself in. Keep windows and doors shut and try not to try washing outside on the line. I have tried to keep makeup off in the house to avoid aggrivating it and have been wiping my face with a damp flannel to keep away the pollen. I know this is not the best especially when everyone else is having fun in the sun, but if it helps and is keeping your stress levels down then it can't be too bad. And don't forget, we live in GB so it won't last too long for us

[michellejeffers]

p.s I'm 6 weeks gone