Claritin is the trade name for the drug loratidine, an over-the-counter antihistamine. It is used to treat seasonal allergic symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, tears and throat hoarseness. Claritin is usually superior to other antihistamines because it usually does not cause drowsiness. However, like many drugs, people have questions about whether they can safely use Claritin during pregnancy.
A young woman is about to swallow a pill with a glass of water. (Source: Antonio_Diaz / iStock / Getty Images) Possible birth defects link
A study published in January 2001 first appeared during pregnancy for Claritin Safety concerns published in the International Journal of Medical Risk and Safety r reported that the risk of birth defects in boys born to women taking loratadine during pregnancy is increased, known as hypospadias. Since almost all of this happens to men, the opening of the tube with the urine - the urethra - is not in the normal position. Instead, the opening is located anywhere from the head of the penis to the scrotum.
Animal Research Uncertain
Animal model studies attempt to explain how loratadine causes hypospadias, but the results are inconsistent. In a study published in the November 2003 issue of the Journal of Reproductive Toxicology, high doses of loratadine - up to 26 times the human intake - did not cause any abnormalities in the reproductive organs of pregnant males. . . In contrast, a study published in the February 2006 issue of the Journal of Urology found that male offspring of pregnant mice given loratadine developed hypospadias and changes in certain gene pathways. May play a role in the normal development of men. Reproductive tissue
Recent studies
Compared with the results of early human and animal studies, recent studies have not shown an increased risk of serious birth defects in female infants taking loratadine. pregnancy period. In fact, in the June 2006 issue of the International Journal of Medical Risk and Security, the same author reported the use of loratadine in 2001.The risk of hypospadias increased and it was found that when they included more pregnant women, the risk did not increase who took loratadine in their analysis. In addition, a review published in the February 2008 issue of the Journal of Drug Safety - The authors combined the results of eight studies that evaluated 453,107 babies taking loratadine during pregnancy - no findings The risk of hypospadias increases.
Considering pregnancy complications
Compared with women who did not take loratadine, the mortality rate, delivery time or birth weight of women taking loratadine 3 months before pregnancy There is no difference, or someone taking other antihistamines. However, in a 210 women's study published in the June 2003 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, patients taking loratadine had a higher abortion rate. Studies However, Rchers noted that higher abortion rates may be due to the fact that women taking loratadine are often older and in the early stages of pregnancy. They explained that these factors - both of which are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage - rather than taking loratadine may lead to increased abortion.
Breastfeeding
According to the American Society of Pediatrics, loratadine is compatible with breastfeeding because less than 1% of mother doses enter breast milk - this amount is considered too small It will not cause any problems for the baby. Breastfeeding mothers should consider taking the drug after breastfeeding and using the lowest possible effective dose.
Precautions [12]3]
It is important to remember that according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even if the mother does not take the drug, the risk of birth defects in the United States is about the same for each pregnancy. 3%.]
Consult your doctor before taking any new medicines during pregnancy or about the medicines you have taken.
