Your nose is running, your eyes are itching, and you are pregnant, what can you actually take?
Pollen allergies during pregnancy can be especially bothersome because you are unsure which medications are safe. The good news is that most allergy medications can be used safely. Here you get an overview based on Norwegian guidelines from RELIS, Helsenorge, and TryggMammamedisin.
Safe allergy medications for pregnant women
Nasal sprays and eye drops, first choice
According to RELIS (Regional Medicines Information Centre), pregnant women can safely use all types of nasal sprays and eye drops for allergies available on the Norwegian market. Local treatment gives minimal absorption in the body and does not affect the fetus.
Safe nasal sprays:
- Livostin (levocabastine)
- Rhinocort, Budesonide (budesonide)
- Nasonex, Mometasone (mometasone)
- Nasacort (triamcinolone)
- Dymista (azelastine + fluticasone)
Safe eye drops:
- Livostin (levocabastine)
- Zaditen (ketotifen)
- Lecrolyn, Lomudal (sodium cromoglicate)
Start with nasal spray and eye drops as the first choice. For many, this is sufficient treatment, combined with saline nasal rinsing.
Allergy tablets, second-generation antihistamines
When local treatment is not enough, you can use allergy tablets. Second-generation antihistamines are the first choice for pregnant women. According to Helsenorge.no and RELIS, these are safe throughout pregnancy:
| Active ingredient | Brand name | Safe for pregnant women |
|---|---|---|
| Cetirizine | Zyrtec, Cetimax | Yes, first choice |
| Loratadine | Loratadine | Yes, first choice |
| Desloratadine | Aerius, Caredin | Yes |
