CMV infection during pregnancy and impact on fetal health

 Benadryl

It is a very popular medicine used to treat colds, but is it really safe for pregnant women to take this medicine?

Pregnancy can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and recurring problems such as allergies, coughs, colds, and insomnia.

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine used to treat coughs, colds, itchy and watery eyes, hives, and other allergy symptoms. The drug is currently sold on the market in two main forms: tablets and syrup.

Is it safe for pregnant women to take Benadryl (diphenhydramine)?

The answer is "yes" if you get your doctor's approval. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Benadryl is a Class B drug, which means it has no side effects. However, there is currently no evidence that this medicine is completely safe if you use it during pregnancy. Therefore, you should not take it unless your doctor recommends it.

Should pregnant women take Benadryl at what dosage?

As recommended, pregnant women should only take 25 mg to 50 mg (about one to two Benadryl tablets) within four to six hours.

From time to time, Benadryl can cause drowsiness or dizziness, so after taking it, reduce your driving or walking. In any case, you should take exactly the dose prescribed by your doctor to make sure it is safe.

Side effects can be encountered when pregnant women take Benadryl

Benadryl does not cause birth defects, however, if taken in an overdose, the mother could be at risk:

Effects on the nervous system: Benadryl has a sedative effect and causes drowsiness, so it can make people drink depressed and cause photophobia, blurred vision, confusion, loss of appetite, hallucinations, nervousness, and insomnia.

Allergies: Research from Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA, has shown that Benadryl can cause rashes, eczema, and itching.

Heart and digestive problems such as headache, low blood pressure, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth.

Increased risk of fetal disease: Combining Benadryl with Restoril or Temazepam to treat anxiety may increase the risk of fetal disease.

Who should avoid taking Benadryl during pregnancy?

You should avoid taking Benadryl pills if you suffer from the following problems:

Suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma

You have stomach and intestinal problems

Liver and kidney problems

Urinary tract problems

Glaucoma

blood pressure

Thyroid problems