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Hay-fever and allergic rhinitis in pregnancy

Nasal allergies of all types are mostly treated with antihistamines. Some of these, especially the newer 'non-sedating' ones, are clearly considered unsafe to use in pregnancy.

It is important for a pregnant woman intending to use any of these preparations to check with her doctor and the enclosed literature about their safety in pregnancy.

Some of the antihistamines where the advice is to avoid while pregnancy include Fexofenadine (Telfast®), Loratadine (Clarityn®), Mizolastine (Mizollen®) and Astemizole (Hismanal®). The contra-indication is based on unavailability of proof of safety in pregnancy rather than any documented known adverse effect.

The older generation antihistamine chlorpheniramine (Piriton®) is considered safe.

Steroidal preparations are also used in allergic rhinitis. These include beclomethasone (Beconase®, Qvar®), budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua®, Pulmicort®), fluticasone (Seretide®) etc. These are safe to use in pregnancy.

For allergic rhinitis sufferers, pregnancy means they should avoid the newer generation antihistamines like Loratadine (left). Steroid preparation like Qvar (Beclomethasone; above right) are perfectly safe to use in pregnancy.