Can you take Claritin while pregnant?

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Pregnancy can cause various dramatic changes in your body, and your mast cells are also affected. You may experience fewer or worse symptoms of allergy than before pregnancy. It’s harder to endure health issues along with pregnancy challenges. You have already experienced an itchy belly and now itchy nose and watery eyes are troublesome. Of course, you want to ward off allergic symptoms and get comfort but you are confused that can I take antihistamines medication during pregnancy or not. Read, this article may help you decide on using the antiallergic drug Claritin.

What is Claritin?

Claritin (brand name of loratadine) is prescribed to reduce allergy symptoms and is known as an anti-allergy or antihistamine drug. Claritin minimizes the severity of allergy symptoms like watery rose, sneezing, sniffling, itchy throat, runny nose, etc. It does not affect your sleeping pattern, even during pregnancy.

Your main culprits are histamines that cause allergy symptoms when you interacting with histamine objects. When a foreign object encounters your face, your body recognizes them as a threat and releases histamine chemicals to defend your body. As a result of histamine, you may go through a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, itching, etc. Claritin or other antihistamine drugs inhibit the production of histamine, reducing the severity of allergic symptoms and making you feel comfortable. 

Is Claritin safe to take during pregnancy?

“Yes,” it’s OK to take Claritin medication during pregnancy. Pregnancy weakens your immune system, and you’re more prone to ailments. Likewise, seasonal allergies develop when you encounter allergens, and your immune system works against them. The seasonal allergens can be pollen, grasses, cocklebur, pigweed, tumbleweed, ragweed, molds, mites, pet dandruff, etc.

If you get an allergy when you’re pregnant, the symptoms of allergies can be worsen. Therefore, you should take medication that copes with these symptoms. When you feel your body is exposed to allergens, take Claritin asap. It’s always a good practice to inform your doctor before taking medications and also disclose that if you’re already taking other medications. Sometimes drugs react with each other and cause serious side effects.

Additionally, researchers can’t find out that taking Claritin increase the risk of birth defects or other medical issues. So, Claritin is a safe, effective, and non-drowsy drug; you can take this medication without any confusion because your baby is safe.

Folic acid is a very common supplement with pregnant females.

Your doctor can prescribe the correct dose of folic acid during your pregnancy. Folic acid has many benefits for pregnancy. There has been a lot of news around 800mcg of folic acid for pregnancy. But what most females want to know is 800mcg of folic acid too much for pregnant women? We recommend that you talk to your doctor instead of going by what the fuss is about in the news.

Side effects of Claritin

Claritin generally can’t produce serious side effects. However, you may experience the following side effects such as;

  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches
  • Drowsiness
  • Excessive nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Vomiting

Claritin rarely causes severe side effects; if you experience heart palpitations or severe headaches, visit your healthcare provider immediately. If this medication does not suit you, the doctor may prescribe you nasal sprays like budesonide (Nasacort) and fluticasone (Flonase). And these sprays are safe during pregnancy.

Conclusion

When you step outside, seasonal allergens may interact with your body, and your eyes fill with water and you start sneezing. You became the victim of seasonal allergy, and you need to get rid of these symptoms during pregnancy asap. Claritin is the safest option to manage these symptoms during pregnancy. This medication does not have harmful effects on your baby. It’s good to consult a doctor before taking any medications. 

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