Loratadine Pregnancy: Is It Safe to Take During Pregnancy?

When you're pregnant and battling allergies, the last thing you want is to choose between feeling awful and taking something that might hurt your baby. loratadine, a second-generation antihistamine commonly sold under the brand name Claritin. Also known as Claritin, it's one of the most widely used non-drowsy allergy meds, and many pregnant women ask: is it okay? The short answer? Yes — based on current data, loratadine is considered one of the safer options for managing allergies during pregnancy.

Unlike older antihistamines like diphenhydramine that cross the blood-brain barrier and cause drowsiness, loratadine, a second-generation antihistamine. Also known as Claritin, it works mainly in the peripheral tissues, meaning it doesn’t make you sleepy and doesn’t cross into the baby’s system as easily. Multiple studies, including large ones tracking thousands of pregnancies, haven’t found a clear link between loratadine use and birth defects. The FDA classifies it as Category B, which means animal studies showed no risk, and human data hasn’t shown harm either. That’s not the same as saying it’s 100% risk-free — nothing in pregnancy is — but it’s among the best-studied and most trusted choices.

Still, not all antihistamines are created equal. cetirizine, another second-generation antihistamine. Also known as Zyrtec, it is often compared to loratadine. Some women find cetirizine more effective, but it’s slightly more likely to cause drowsiness. Fexofenadine (Allegra) is another option, though less studied in pregnancy. If your symptoms are mild, you might try non-medication fixes first: saline nasal rinses, air purifiers, avoiding pollen during peak hours. But if you need something stronger, loratadine is a solid, science-backed pick.

What about the first trimester? That’s when most worry about fetal development. Research shows no increased risk of major malformations when loratadine is taken during early pregnancy. The largest study to date — published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — followed over 1,000 women who used loratadine in the first 12 weeks. Their babies had the same rate of birth defects as those whose moms didn’t take it. That’s reassuring. And if you’re already taking it before you knew you were pregnant? Don’t panic. Stopping suddenly could make your allergies worse, which might stress your body more than the med itself.

One thing to watch: if you’re using loratadine with other meds, especially decongestants like pseudoephedrine, you need to be careful. Decongestants are generally avoided in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Stick to plain loratadine — not the combination versions labeled for sinus or cold relief. And always talk to your doctor before starting or stopping anything, even if it’s over the counter.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve used loratadine during pregnancy, along with comparisons to other allergy treatments, what the science really says, and how to balance symptom relief with peace of mind. No fluff. No fear-mongering. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you can safely do to breathe easier while you’re expecting.