Benadryl is considered to be safe during pregnancy. Doctors and nurses recommend this OTC medication to help relieve allergy symptoms, even while you're pregnant. Recent studies have found Benadryl to be safe.

How much Benadryl is safe for pregnancy?

Benadryl is safe to take during pregnancy and it has not been linked to birth defects. You can take the same dose as all adults — 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours.

Can Benadryl cause birth defects?

While it's unlikely Benadryl would cause birth defects, always consult a physician first. There are some instances where the use of Benadryl or diphenhydramine in the first trimester has been linked to an increased risk of a baby being born with a cleft lip or palate, although this risk is very low.

Can Benadryl cause a miscarriage?

Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy. The results from one study did not show an increased chance of miscarriage with the use of antihistamines, including diphenhydramine, in early pregnancy. Does taking diphenhydramine increase the chance of birth defects?

Does Benadryl cross the placenta?

The Food and Drug Administration has given Benadryl category B status, which means that the drug does cross the placental barrier, but there are no known side effects to the fetus when this happens.

Ask The Doctor with Dr. Rene Leon - Is it safe to take allergy medications during pregnancy?

29 related questions found

What is the safest antihistamine during pregnancy?

To conclude first generation antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine, hydroxyzine, and dexchlorpheniramine are the safest among antihistamines to be used in pregnancy.

Does Benadryl help with morning sickness?

Yes, Benadryl. It's an antihistamine you normally take for colds and allergies, but it's also known to help reduce vomiting and nausea. I suggest women take that at night. Vitamin B6 and Unisom is also an option.

Is it safe to take Benadryl every night for sleep while pregnant?

Pregnancy and nursing

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found Benadryl safe to take for allergies during pregnancy, they haven't made a recommendation concerning nightly use of a sleep aid in this population.

What allergy medicine can pregnant woman take?

Safe OTC Allergy Meds to Take During Pregnancy

• Allegra (fexofenadine)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)

What antihistamine can I take pregnant?

Newer antihistamines, such as cetirizine and loratadine, also may be safe. There also is a corticosteroid nasal spray that is safe to use during pregnancy. But one of the most common decongestants, pseudoephedrine, has been linked to a small risk of abdominal wall birth defects.

Why can't I take antihistamines while pregnant?

During your first trimester, don't take decongestants by mouth, either. They may make some birth defects more likely. Watch out for antihistamines combined with a decongestant. Since there's not enough evidence for their safety, avoid antihistamine nasal sprays.

Is it safe to take Benadryl and Unisom together while pregnant?

Here's the deal. The over-the-counter antihistamines diphenhydramine and doxylamine are safe at recommended doses during pregnancy, even for extended periods. (These are the ingredients found in Benadryl, Diclegis, Sominex, and Unisom, for example.)

Does Benadryl help with pregnancy itching?

It's not backed up by research, but it may help relieve some of the itch, Greves says. Take Benadryl. It's always a good idea to check in with your doctor before taking a medication during pregnancy, but Benadryl is generally considered safe for moms-to-be, Greves says.

Why is Benadryl given during labor?

Diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that is sometimes given to induce sleepiness and reduce nausea. It is most effective in early labor.

Can I take Benadryl and Tylenol together while pregnant?

Tylenol PM is a combination of two drugs: Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine found in Benadryl). Both drugs have generally been thought to be safe during pregnancy, Roshan says, but it's important to make sure usage is occasional, not consistent.

Can a pregnant woman take antihistamine?

Antihistamine tablets

There are several different types of antihistamines available including loratadine and cetirizine. Neither of these antihistamines cause drowsiness, and they are both considered safe to take in pregnancy when necessary.

How can I get rid of allergies while pregnant?

Step-by-Step Care:

1. Try to avoid your allergy triggers.
2. Use saline nose spray to ease your congestion.
3. Keep animals out of your bedroom.
4. Vacuum often. ...
5. Use the air conditioner to keep humidity low and irritants out of the house. ...
6. Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors if pollen sets off your allergies.

Can I take Reactine when pregnant?

Cetirizine is unlikely to cause other pregnancy complications. Studies on a small number of pregnancies did not find a higher chance for birth defects, preterm delivery (having the baby before 37 weeks), or low birth weight.

What can I take to help me sleep while pregnant?

There are also other over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids that are considered safe for occasional use in pregnancy, including Unisom, Tylenol PM, Sominex and Nytol, but always check with your doctor before taking these or any kinds of herbal preparations. You should also try not to take sleep aids every night.

How fast does Benadryl start working?

Benadryl takes about 15 to 30 minutes to start working and its peak effect occurs about 2 to 4 hours after taking it. An adult dose to obtain sedating effects is between 25 and 50 milligrams. However, these effects are less than you would experience with prescription sedatives such as benzodiazepines.

What are the negative effects of Benadryl?

Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Can you take Zofran and Benadryl while pregnant?

No interactions were found between Benadryl and Zofran.

What should you not take with Benadryl?

Examples of medications that may interact with Benadryl include:

• antidepressants.
• stomach ulcer medicine.
• cough and cold medicine.
• other antihistamines.
• diazepam (Valium)
• sedatives.

How much benadryl do I take for nausea?

For healthy adults and children 12 or older, take one to two tablets or capsules by mouth every four to six hours or as directed by a healthcare provider. Benadryl can be taken with or without food.