Is Benadryl Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women should always check with their health care providers before using any drugs, including over-the-counter allergy medications such as Benadryl. Most health care websites list Benadryl as a safe medication to take during pregnancy. However, more research is needed to prove that Benadryl is safe.
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Expert Insight
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Benadryl was approved by the FDA in 1946, making it the oldest antihistamine available. For this reason, many health care professionals prefer Benadryl to newer allergy medications for pregnant women, simply because it has been around longer without significant evidence of problems. The FDA categorizes Benadryl as Class "B" for pregnancy, because animal studies using up to five times the normal dose showed no harm to the fetus, but there have not been sufficient human studies to prove that it is safe.
Considerations
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Many doctors consider Benadryl to be safe during pregnancy, but they may recommend against taking any medications unless it is absolutely necessary, especially during the first trimester or shortly before delivery. Pregnant women with mild allergies may choose to avoid using Benadryl or other antihistamines just to be on the safe side. Those with severe allergies, especially ones that affect the ability to breathe, may find that they need to continue using Benadryl throughout pregnancy.
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Types
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Benadryl comes in several over-the-counter forms. The oral types of Benadryl allergy medication include tablets, capsules, liqui-gels and quick dissolve strips, as well as liquid and chewable forms for children. The topical types of Benadryl include anti-itch creams, gels and sprays. Hospitals may also use IV forms of Benadryl. All of these types of Benadryl include the same basic antihistamine: diphenhydramine HCl. Other types of Benadryl, such as the Allergy & Sinus and Allergy & Cold formulas, also contain acetaminophen and phenylephrine. Pregnant women should check with their doctors before taking types of Benadryl that also contain other medications, even if they've been told that regular Benadryl is safe.
Size
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Pregnant women should be especially careful to follow the dosing guidelines on the Benadryl directions, and not exceed the recommended dose or take more doses in 24 hours than the manufacturer recommends. In general, doctors recommend using the lowest possible dose that is still effective of Benadryl and other medications. Pregnant women who have severe allergic reactions should consult a health care professional or seek urgent or emergency care before using large doses of Benadryl.
Effects
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Many women experience a stuffy or runny nose during pregnancy, due to the increased hormone levels. This can lead some women to believe they have allergies or a cold when they are actually just experiencing pregnancy side effects. In these cases, they may find more relief from a steamy shower than from medication. Women who did not have allergies before pregnancy should check with their doctors to make sure they actually have allergies before using Benadryl. Women who had allergies before pregnancy may find they are more severe due to the added congestion from hormones, and these women may need to continue taking Benadryl for relief.
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