Claritin (loratadine) in pregnancy- can I take?

[brushlaptop]

Just that really... worst hay fever and 35 weeks pregnant

Yes its considered ok as its non sedating

Thank you 👍

Yep. I've been taking it all the way through pregnancy and now 19 weeks and no issues.

Another yep here

Hi I went to 2x boots to ask for hayfever medicine in May and the pharmacists looked as if I’d asked them for crack! I was quite alarmed so asked my GP who told me to wash my clothes after coming from in front outside and to use Vaseline in my nose as the medication says to “use at own risk”. Based on this I didn’t take any but I know other women who have and their children are fine.

Not in the UK, but in France they prescribed me loratodine or cetrizine (sorry can’t remember which) in pregnancy for hayfever. The obstetrician pointed out that excessive sneezing is not ideal when you’re 7months pregnant either so (at least in this one dr’s view) it was not necessarily a case of putting up with the sneezing being the less risky option.

Just read what the leaflet says... if it's not advised it will be mentioned.

My GP said not to take in first or last trimester but OK in small doses in 2nd trimester

www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Loratadine/

There’s no official advice on it, because they haven’t tested on pregnant woman, but my GP was fine with me taking it. Also prescribed me a stronger antihistamine, so you’ll probably be okay. As always, check with your GP before taking.

@MissMarion

Just read what the leaflet says... if it's not advised it will be mentioned.

This. If there are risks you'll find them set out there. If not it's fine.

GP prescribed me a nose spray and eye drops because there is some research about pregnant women not having anti histamines - I tried to buy some Claritin or something in boots and they refused to sell it to me 😒

You can buy it over the counter in supermarkets. The pharmacist may not be licensed to sell it to you but you don't need to go to a pharmacist to buy it

I took it every day throughout both pregnancies.

My pharmacist and gp said no. I used beconase nasal spray and eye drops instead alongside hayfever face wipes

Loratidine and cetirizine are considered ok along with corticosteroid sprays

onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/allergy/hay-fever-medication-in-pregnancy

In my first pregnancy I didn’t take them because the gp said no. I didn’t take them whilst bf either and just suffered. Second pregnancy midwife said which ones were fine. I also had a weird itchy rash and one of the doctors from maternity said antihistamines are fine but don’t take too many as you’ll be falling asleep. No mention of harm to the baby. Baby is now 1 and fine

Thank you so much for the advice 🙏🙏🙏 think I will go for it, suffering a lot! X

I have loratadine prescribed by my drs, due to long standing allergies and my usual antihistamines not being suitable for pregnancy. Never had a problem with buying it OTC either or with a pharmacy

@AntiHop how are your children now? Currently I am 22 weeks pregnant and have been taking an anti histamine every day as I cannot function without it.