Can You Take Claritin During Pregnancy?

 Abby McCoy Profile Photo
By Abby McCoy | Updated on Jan 4, 2024
Image for article Can You Take Claritin During Pregnancy?

Claritin, an over-the-counter allergy medication, can help banish itchy eyes and a runny nose. Most experts agree Claritin is safe 1 to take while pregnant, but be sure to keep your healthcare provider in the loop on any new medications. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks for you and your baby.

Loratadine, the main ingredient in Claritin, is an antihistamine that blocks those pesky allergy symptoms. One small study 2 showed a possible link with birth defects, but the researchers later admitted that the study had limitations and their results could be misleading. Other studies have shown no negative effects on the baby or the pregnant person in any trimester.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. "Loratadine (Claritin®)"Oct 1, 2021https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582799/.

  2. Bengt Källén and Petra Otterblad Olausson"Monitoring of maternal drug use and infant congenital malformations. Does loratadine cause hypospadias?"ResearchGate, vol. 14, no. 3Jan 1, 2001, pp. 115-119https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284813993_Monitoring_of_maternal_drug_use_and_infant_congenital_malformations_Does_loratadine_cause_hypospadias.


Share via
Contributors
 Abby McCoy Profile Photo
Author
Abby McCoy
Updated on Jan 4, 2024

Related Articles


Get the Newsletter

Evidence-based health and wellness resources for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum.

Share via

Can You Take Claritin During Pregnancy?

 Abby McCoy Profile Photo
By Abby McCoy | Updated on Jan 4, 2024
Image for article Can You Take Claritin During Pregnancy?

Claritin, an over-the-counter allergy medication, can help banish itchy eyes and a runny nose. Most experts agree Claritin is safe 1 to take while pregnant, but be sure to keep your healthcare provider in the loop on any new medications. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks for you and your baby.

Loratadine, the main ingredient in Claritin, is an antihistamine that blocks those pesky allergy symptoms. One small study 2 showed a possible link with birth defects, but the researchers later admitted that the study had limitations and their results could be misleading. Other studies have shown no negative effects on the baby or the pregnant person in any trimester.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. "Loratadine (Claritin®)"Oct 1, 2021https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582799/.

  2. Bengt Källén and Petra Otterblad Olausson"Monitoring of maternal drug use and infant congenital malformations. Does loratadine cause hypospadias?"ResearchGate, vol. 14, no. 3Jan 1, 2001, pp. 115-119https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284813993_Monitoring_of_maternal_drug_use_and_infant_congenital_malformations_Does_loratadine_cause_hypospadias.


Share via