Can i take piriton whilst pregnant

You can speak to your GP or pharmacist and they may recommend you some of the medications we discuss below. While for most people antihistamines like Piriton are the go-to for treating hay fever, most of these treatments cannot be sold for use during pregnancy without a prescription. Loratadine and Cetirizine are the tablets most often prescribed for hay fever during pregnancy.

This is because neither causes drowsiness. Chlorphenamine can also be prescribed for use during pregnancy, but it can cause drowsiness, so is not usually the first choice. Thanks to the fact that the medicine in nasal sprays and eyedrops enters the bloodstream in such small quantities, they are thought to not cause any harm to an unborn baby.

Pregnant women are usually advised to try this type of treatment prior to tablets. For nasal symptoms you might consider trying a corticosteroid or sodium cromoglicate nasal spray and for eye symptoms consider antihistamine or sodium cromoglicate eye drops. These treatments cause the blood vessels in the nose to narrow and reduce the swelling of the nasal membranes, but they could then reduce blood supply to the placenta and baby.

See all in Preschooler. See all in Life as a Parent. See all in Video. You might also like You might also like. Over-the-counter medicines in pregnancy. Does anyone in your family get hayfever? Did you take over the counter medicines in early pregnancy? Get the BabyCentre app. Brazil Canada Germany India. Connect with us.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. Browse all questions. Copyright by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information. This information is designed as an educational aid for the public. This type of chlorphenamine should not be given to children under the age of 6.

Children under 6 should only be given chlorphenamine that has been prescribed by their doctor. Chlorphenamine is not suitable for some people.

To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:. If you or your child has been prescribed chlorphenamine, follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take it.

If you have bought chlorphenamine or any medicine containing chlorphenamine from a pharmacy, follow the instructions that come with the packet, or ask your pharmacist for advice. If you or your child's symptoms do not get better within a few days, talk to a doctor.

If you're taking liquid chlorphenamine, follow the instructions that come with the medicine for how much to take. When used for coughs and colds, chlorphenamine is mixed with other medicines in a liquid that you swallow. Follow the instructions on the bottle or packaging for how much to take.

Swallow chlorphenamine tablets with a drink of water, milk or juice. The 4mg tablets can be broken in half for children and people taking lower doses. Chlorphenamine liquid may be easier for children to take than tablets. The medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon because it will not measure the right amount.

For allergies, you may only need to take chlorphenamine on the days you feel you need to. For example, coming into contact with something like animal hair may have triggered your symptoms. For hay fever, you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms during spring and summer.

Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. Do not take 2 doses at the same time, or take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine. If you have taken more than the recommended dose of chlorphenamine, you may:. In serious cases, you can have a fit or seizure, or become unconscious, and may need emergency treatment in hospital.

Go to Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance. Take the chlorphenamine packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you. Like all medicines, chlorphenamine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects of chlorphenamine happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:.

Children and people aged over 65 have more chance of getting some side effects, such as feeling restless, excited or confused. In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to chlorphenamine. These are not all the side effects of chlorphenamine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet. Chlorphenamine can be used in pregnancy.

There is no good evidence that it is harmful to your baby, but it can have side effects such as feeling drowsy. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend a non-drowsy antihistamine loratadine before chlorphenamine. If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can use chlorphenamine during breastfeeding. This is a drowsy antihistamine, so it is better to take occasional doses or only for a short time.

It is not known how much chlorphenamine gets into breast milk, but it has been used for many years without causing babies to have side effects. However, chlorphenamine can cause drowsy symptoms, so may also make your baby sleepy too.

If you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as other medicines might be better while breastfeeding.