Any safe alternatives to paracetamol? (I'm allergic)

[anniebu]

I'm a little over six weeks pregnant and over the last few days I developed cold-like symptoms: runny nose, teary eyes, sneezing, and worst of all, headache. Normally I would take half a paracetamol plus an antihistamine to moderate my otherwise rather severe allergy to it (bad rash, itching). But I'm afraid the allergic reaction itself can harm the embryo. Is there a way to treat a cold with some alternatives? I feel very bad, the headache and nausea together are killing me. (but no fever). If anyone could give a tip, it's very appreciated!

I think maybe call your midwife, or GP, they will be better able to advise you than us here or Dr Google!

You could try a saline spray to help with your nose, the options that are safe will be pretty limited.

Not really, things like ibuprofen should only be used on the advice of a doctor as they can cause problems during pregnancy. Not all antihistamines are ok during pregnancy either, so I agree that your best bet is to ring your GP. A pharmacist may be able to help too, if you can’t get through to the GP.

Out of interest (and you don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to) has the allergy been formally diagnosed? Is the half a paracetamol and an antihistamine thing something you’ve been advised to do?

Half a paracetamol? As in 250mg?

Try just the antihistamine? Sounds very hay fever-ish so you might get relief without the paracetamol.

you need to speak to a doctor or pharmacist