Pregnancy And Stuffy Nose -

| Type | Examples | Safety | Notes | |------|----------|--------|-------| | | Budesonide (Rhinocort), Fluticasone (Flonase) | Preferred – minimal systemic absorption | Slow onset (days), but very effective. Category C but widely used. | | Nasal antihistamines | Azelastine (Astepro) | Limited data, but low absorption | Usually reserved for allergic rhinitis. | | Oral antihistamines | Loratadine (Claritin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec) | Generally considered safe (2nd gen) | May help if allergy component. | | Nasal decongestant sprays | Oxymetazoline (Afrin) | Short-term only (max 3 days) | Risk of rebound congestion and possible vasoconstriction effects (theoretical). Avoid in 1st trimester. | | Oral decongestants | Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) | Avoid in 1st trimester ; after 1st trimester, short-term use only | Case reports of gastroschisis (1st trimester). Also raises BP – not if preeclampsia or hypertension. | | Nasal cromolyn | Cromolyn sodium | Very safe (minimal absorption) | Requires frequent dosing (4–6x/day). |