Is Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Safe During Pregnancy?
Answer
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is considered safe for use during pregnancy for allergy symptoms and, at times, for its sedating effect.
What is Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)?
Diphenhydramine (commonly known by the brand name Benadryl) is a first-generation antihistamine. It is used during pregnancy to help manage allergy symptoms and, at times, for its sedating effect 1.
Is Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is considered safe for use during pregnancy for typical use 1. While it can cause more drowsiness compared to some second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine, this is a practical consideration for when you might use it, rather than a specific safety concern related to pregnancy itself 1.
Disclaimer: SafeMom provides information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions about your medication or care during pregnancy.
Related ingredients
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is pregnancy-safe with a long use history across all trimesters. First-generation antihistamine — causes drowsiness, which is useful for sleep…
Loratadine
Loratadine (Claritin) is the preferred non-sedating second-generation antihistamine for pregnancy allergies. Multi-decade safety record with no consistent evidence of teratogenicity. Considered safe…
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Sources
- Are antihistamines safe to take while pregnant?. Drugs.com Medical Answers. View source →
- What medicine can I take for allergies while I'm pregnant?. ACOG. View source →