Colds are one of the most common infections caught by pregnant women. Viral infections cause them and can be passed through contact with infected individuals or objects. Catching a cold while pregnant can be particularly unpleasant, and you might wonder whether taking certain medications to ease your symptoms is safe. A perfect example of these medications is loratidine.
What is loratadine?
This antihistamine medication treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from "hay fever" and other allergies. It does this by reducing the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical produced by the body in response to an allergen (such as pollen or dust) and is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with allergies.
Loratidine is available as an over-the-counter drug in certain countries and as a prescription drug. It is available in Nigeria as Claritin, Alavert, and Loratyn. It's mainly prescribed to take once daily in tablet form; however, you must reach out to your medical practitioner before taking any dose.
Ways to prevent common cold in pregnancy
The common cold is a viral infection that can be spread via person-to-person contact and contact with respiratory secretions. There is no sure way to prevent a common cold, but here are some tips which can help towards keeping your immune system boosted up and your body prepared:
- Avoid close contact with sick people: Stay away from people with a cold or flu. If you must be around someone sick, wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet.
- Practice good hygiene: Keep surfaces clean and disinfected, especially those frequently touched, such as doorknobs, handles, and light switches.
- Sleep well, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick. You could also get vitamins and immune boosters to aid your immunity.
- Wash your hands frequently: Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of colds and other infections.
- Drink lots of fluids: This will help you feel better. Avoid dehydration which can be dangerous during pregnancy. Warm drinks with lemon and honey can be incredibly soothing.
Side effects of loratidine
Loratidine is generally a safe medication, but it may cause specific side effects which may be less severe in some others and more severe in certain people. A few of the side effects are:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Dry mouth
- Nose bleed
- Sore throat
- Mouth sores
- Red or itchy hives
- Difficulty sleeping
- Rash
- Nervousness
While rare, some people may experience more serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction, which can cause difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, if you have any medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, or are taking other medications, you must talk to your healthcare provider before taking loratidine. They can advise you on the best course of treatment for your individual needs and monitor you for any potential side effects.
Is loratidine safe in pregnancy?
Loratadine is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but you should always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while pregnant.
While loratadine is considered safe for most pregnant women, there are some precautions to consider. You should not exceed the recommended dose and take loratadine only as directed by your healthcare provider.
Cost of loratidine in Nigeria
The cost of loratidine in Nigeria may vary depending on several factors, such as the brand, the strength, the packaging, and the location where it is sold. It may be available as a prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
However, the cost range of loratadine is from #500 to #5000, depending on your desired brand or strength. You must visit a reputable pharmacy to get your loratadine tablets to ensure you get duly registered drugs.
Have you taken loratadine to ease your symptoms of cold during pregnancy? If you have, how effective was it? We would love your opinions and feedback on this article in the comment section below.
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