Allegra during pregnancy, is it safe to use? Antihistamines are commonly prescribed to pregnant women. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are considered safe to use during pregnancy, but there are few data on the safety of Allegra (fexofenadine) for the fetus. A study published in the JAMA Pediatrics titled “Association between fexofenadine use during pregnancy outcomes” examined and assessed the risk of major outcomes associated with Allegra during pregnancy.
From nearly 1.3 million pregnancies in a Denmark study between 2001 to 2016, researchers looked outcomes from using Zyrtec or Allegra, they looked at major birth defects and spontaneous abortions.
Major birth defects occurred in 4.0% of women using Allegra and 3.8% using Zyrtec during pregnancy. Rates of spontaneous abortions were 8.4% and 9.0%, respectively. There also was not an association for outcomes of preterm birth, small size for gestational age and stillbirth. Similar patterns were seen in women who used Claritin during pregnancy.
The authors concluded that Allegra during pregnancy did not lead to an increased risk of major birth defects or other adverse fetal outcomes. The results suggest that Allegra can be added to other second-generation antihistamines currently considered safe for use by pregnant women.
Allergic rhinitis is the most common cause of rhinitis in pregnancy and it can affect the quality of life. This study provides reassurance that the OTC antihistamine, Allegra (not Allegra-D though), may be safe in use during pregnancy. Keep in mind that intranasal sprays have been shown to be superior to oral antihistamines for rhinitis treatment. Rhinocort (budesonide) is considered safe during pregnancy as well.
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As always speak to your doctor if you are planning to take any medications during your pregnancy. This site is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for a medical professional.