What to Expect When You’re in the Latent (Early) Phase of Labor, Pregnancy Snacks for Your Cravings and Challenges. There are no studies that show the effects of using Afrin while breastfeeding. Avoid use in the first trimester and with breastfeeding. You can use Afrin during all three trimesters of pregnancy, but you should only use it if your doctor’s first-line choice doesn’t work for you. Afrin (oxymetazoline) in pregnancy: At this stage in pregnancy, if it is not affecting the baby's heart beat, your doctor may advice you if you can continue to use it. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. O 0. The active ingredient in Afrin is oxymetazoline hydrochloride. Exercise. Even so, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding. Topical or nasal spray decongestants, such as Afrin, were once thought to be safe for most pregnant women. If it is not in first trimester then it is OK. Of course I was taking it for a day or two. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. Afrin is considered a second-line treatment during pregnancy. All rights reserved. ... but in order to prevent my nasal membranes from 'craving' it and becoming 'addicted' I never use it during the day time hours. I had read that afrin used while pregnant is not bad and nothign to be to concerned over, but then I have dug deeper and some say it can be harmful. Here’s a gestational diabetes food list to help you stay…. The first choice is Rhinocort ( budesonide ) because the FDA has rated this medication as a pregnancy category B drug. You may expect morning sickness, stretch marks, and a backache, but pregnancy can cause some lesser-known symptoms, too. Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2016. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Use pillows or raise the head of your bed to elevate your head while you’re sleeping. Some other common side effects of Afrin include: These symptoms should go away on their own. Call your doctor right away if you have any heart rate changes. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, What Can I Eat If I Have Gestational Diabetes? Oxymetazoline works by shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which helps you breathe more easily. Your doctor may first suggest trying these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Feb 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 3 Feb 2021), ASHP (updated 29 Jan 2021) and others. Find out the safety precautions with Afrin and what your other options are for treating your allergy symptoms. obviously she's still cooking, but no issues have been detected so far. There is no specific information about the use of Afrin (Oxymetazoline) in the elderly. What non-drug treatments should I try first? Afrin would likely not be your doctor’s first choice to treat your allergies during pregnancy. Food List and More, Can I Eat Chocolate When Pregnant? Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D and X are being phased out. It’s used to provide short-term relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. Can someone please inform me as to the risks and how great they are for using it while pregnant. Did anyone use Afrin Nasal Drip while they were pregnant? Call your doctor if they get worse or don’t go away. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. We'll tell you what to expect, from how long it lasts to how to relieve the pain. However, these sprays work by constricting blood flow to the sinuses, and it is now thought that it can be absorbed systemically. BabyCenter is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Know the symptoms and how to get help. If you have more questions about using Afrin during pregnancy or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. Use should be avoided.US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned. Afrin may also cause serious side effects. Afrin is an OTC decongestant nasal spray. A first-line medication for allergies during pregnancy would have the most research showing two things: that the drug is effective and that it does not cause birth defects when used during pregnancy. Eating chocolate when pregnant isn't typically a problem — and it may even have some surprising benefits. You should not take it more then 4 or 5 days in a row. Topical or nasal spray decongestants, such as Afrin, were once thought to be safe for most pregnant women. From what I read, it would have to be a very large amount to cause any damage in the animal studies, so I'm not too concerned. It may not be safe to use Afrin during pregnancy, as it could cause problems in the fetus. We'll tell you why and offer some alternatives for pain. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is FDA: Pregnancy category c. Thus it has not been established if it will cause harm to unborn child in humans. I used it a few times one day in my last pregancy. Here's what you need to know about the risks and who may be a candidate. I only take it once before bed, it lasts for 12 hrs, then I am off of it for 12hrs. Generally speaking, the use of any drug during pregnancy could cause harmful birth defects. Saline Nasal Spray. Many pregnant women suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by this condition. Afrin 12 hour nasal spray can be used for severe congestion. However, like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Anyone taken Afrin Nasal Spray while pregnant? We'll give you some ways to make it safer, but keep in mind that breathing in paint fumes is never without risk. Decongestant nasal sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin) and guaifenesin ER (Mucinex) can be used very briefly during pregnancy (for 3 days or less) for temporary relief of nasal congestion, but they also have not been well studied and are not for longer-term use. Use nasal strips at night to help open up your nasal passages while you sleep. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic or nasal solutions should be used during pregnancy only when instructed by a clinician 1). Giving Afrin Sinus (Oxymetazoline) 0.05 % Nasal Spray to a child under 12 management or monitoring precaution: Recommend clinician evaluation prior to use under 6 years of age. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. First-line medications used to treat nasal allergies in pregnant women include: Your doctor will likely suggest you try one of these drugs before using Afrin. I used a saline nasal spray recommended by my doctor. It is not known whether oxymetazoline nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Oxymetazoline is a medication that is used in nasal sprays (sprayed into nostrils) and topical preparations (applied to skin). FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Afrin will harm an unborn baby. When it comes to any medication you may take while you're pregnant, you need to check with your provider before taking anything. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." Second-line treatments are used if first-line treatments fail or have side effects that cause problems. Sudafed PE (Phenylephidrine) should be avoided because its uncertain efficacy and safety in pregnancy. Oxymetazoline nasal is also known as: Afrin, Afrin NoDrip Severe Congestion, Afrin NoDrip Sinus, Afrin Original, Afrin Sinus, CVS Health Sinus Relief, Dristan 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Duration, Four-Way Nasal Spray, Genasal, Mucinex Sinus-Max Full Force, Mucinex Sinus-Max Moisture Smart, NRS Nasal, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour, Nostrilla, Oxyfrin, Oxymeta-12, Sudafed OM Sinus Cold, Sudafed OM Sinus Congestion, Vicks Sinex 12-Hour Decongestant Nasal Spray, Vicks Sinex 12-Hour Decongestant UltraFine Mist, Vicks Sinex Moisturizing 12-Hour Decongestant UltraFine Mist, Vicks Sinex Severe Nasal Spray, Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief, Zicam Sinus Relief. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. As soon as i … Learn more: Neti pots for nasal congestion ». Afrin and Pregnancy. Here's what you need to know. Anyway your doctor should be familiar with this. "Product Information. However, these too work by constricting blood flow to the sinuses, and it is now thought that it can be absorbed systemically. The number of pregnant women with opioid use disorder at labor and delivery more than quadrupled from 1999 to 2014, according to a recent CDC analysis.Opioid use disorder during pregnancy has been linked with serious negative health outcomes for pregnant … ... Nasal Strips, even spicy foods before bedtime but cannot seem to get through the night without using Afrin. Available for Android and iOS devices. Do I need medication to treat my symptoms? Although some medicines are considered safe during pregnancy, the effects of other medicines on your unborn baby are unknown. and my water broke that night. Thanks!!! He or she could be affected by a slow heart rate or he or she may not receive all the oxygen needed. Safe use of Afrin (Oxymetazoline) during pregnancy has not been established. One of these is allergic rhinitis, also called allergies or hay fever. When I was carrying my younger daughter I was taking Afrin during pregnancy. I had an upper respitory infection, so my OB even gave me afrin in the hospital while i was there (before and after I had the baby) It was okay to use too while breast feeding. Whether you're looking to satisfy your craving for sweets or trying to battle constant nausea or heartburn, we've got you covered with more than 30…, If you're wondering how to become a surrogate, we applaud you for your desire to help others. It’s also used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. Last updated on May 13, 2020. Sinus and nasal problems are bothersome but not life-threatening, so your doctor may also suggest nondrug ways to relieve your discomfort. You may be able to manage gestational diabetes through diet and other lifestyle changes. They may be used in some cases to control pregnancy-induced nasal symptoms. This eMedTV Web resource further discusses this topic, explaining the problems Afrin may cause during pregnancy and why it is a pregnancy Category C drug. I have really bad allergies and after i got pregnant all my medication needed to be changed. Here's what to know. I ONLY use it at night time (once a day) but would like an alternative - THAT WORKS! Choosing to use herbs during pregnancy is a personal choice, but to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby, you should be well educated on the types of herbs, parts of the herb (root, leaf, etc…) and the way they could be used (caplet, tonic, tea). so it was probably a coincidence. Some just aren't true. Opioid use disorder among pregnant women is a significant public health concern in the United States. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. They may suggest other options that can help ease your nasal and sinus problems. :) but i was also 38 weeks pregnant. Rinse your nasal passages with a Neti pot once or twice a day. In addition: Carefully read the product label Use only as directed During the first trimester, use of higher doses of aspirin poses a concern for pregnancy loss and congenital defects. I was stuffed up beyond belief with my first. Use should be avoided.Excreted into human milk: Data not availableExcreted into animal milk: Data not availableComments: The effects in the nursing infant are unknown. There are a lot of myths about eating spicy food in pregnancy. My advice to you, if you have that annoying congestion that pregnancy … What is oxymetazoline? What Are the Symptoms of Antepartum Depression and How Is It Treated? Update: (11 weeks Pregnant with 1st Baby ; ) Answer Save. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. On the other hand when it comes to using Afrin during pregnancy, if there is an overdose, it could cause stress to the baby. O 0, Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." Saline-only nasal sprays are considered safe during pregnancy. What are the risks to my pregnancy if I use Afrin while pregnant. I tend to not recommend using sudafed unless it is cleared by the OB. Painting while pregnant carries certain risks for your baby. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -, Vicks Sinex 12-Hour Decongestant Nasal Spray, Vicks Sinex Moisturizing 12-Hour Decongestant UltraFine Mist. Taking ibuprofen in pregnancy isn't a good idea. You can use Afrin during all three trimesters of pregnancy, but you should only use it if your doctor’s first-line choice doesn’t work for you. Antepartum depression is depression while you're pregnant, and it's more common than you may think. Do not use for more than 3 days in a row. Animal studies have not been conducted. Oxymetazoline nasal Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. Full Drug Information Certain medicines can be most harmful to a developing baby when taken during the first three months of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies ». Physical activity can help decrease nasal swelling. It is not entirely clear if Afrin is safe for use during pregnancy. Afrin (oxymetazoline nasal)" Schering-Plough, Liberty Corner, NJ. ! Avoid all forms of sex — vaginal, oral and anal — if your partner has an active or recently diagnosed sexually transmitted infection. Every mother … Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period. Our content is doctor approved and evidence based, and our community is moderated, lively, and welcoming.With thousands of award-winning articles and community groups, you can track your pregnancy and baby's growth, get answers to your toughest … Never use Afrin more often than every 10 to 12 hours according to labeling directions. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before using Afrin or any other medication if your prescribed medication doesn’t work for you. Despite what you've heard about seafood and mercury levels, calamari in pregnancy is safe — in moderation. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Afrin is ok to use in pregnancy just don't use it more than 3 days it can cause rebound nasal congestion. The latent phase of labor comes before the active labor stage. Avoid irritants or triggers for your allergy symptoms, such as pollen, dust, pets, or smoke. How to use Afrin Sinus (Oxymetazoline) 0.05 % Nasal Spray Use this medication in the nose as directed. eta: my midwives said it was fine as well. Last night i couldnt breath so without thinking i used my Afrin. You may want to ask your doctor the following questions: Your doctor can help you find relief from your allergy symptoms while keeping your pregnancy safe. This sheet talks about exposure to oxymetazoline pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Afrin products can provide relief from your symptoms for up to 12 hours. Taking higher doses of aspirin during the third trimester increases the risk of the premature closure of a vessel in the fetus's heart. While it isn’t known for sure, a source in the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests that little of this drug would pass to your child through breast milk. This should be discussed with your obstetrician/ physician to determine if benefits outweigh risks. The active ingredient in Afrin is called oxymetazoline. Oxymetazoline has been used … I have been physically addicted to Afrin for years, and have used it WAY more than the recommended dose all pregnancy. The best way to determine if Afrin will cause any harm … I just looked it up and found a list of meds okay for pregnancy and afrin in on it, so I think you're okay but check with your OB to be sure. Due to the risk of rebound congestion, a condition caused by the overuse of spray decongestants, even patients who are not pregnant should limit their exposure to thes… These can include a fast or slow heart rate. Research Says ‘Yes’ — in Moderation, Interest in Home Births Rises During the COVID-19 Pandemic, corticosteroids such as budesonide and beclomethasone (nasal sprays), antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine (oral tablets). Use a condom if: This is because the active agent of the spray could constrict the blood vessels. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Do not use for more than 3 days. Oxymetazoline nasal is also known as: Afrin, Afrin NoDrip Severe Congestion, Afrin NoDrip Sinus, Afrin Original, Afrin Sinus, CVS Health Sinus Relief, Dristan 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Duration, Four-Way Nasal Spray, Genasal, Mucinex Sinus-Max Full Force, Mucinex Sinus-Max Moisture Smart, NRS … I used that in combination with breathe right strips at night and found it helped quite a bit. Here are some details about the process, including how…. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. We'll give you the facts. mac1178 member. Inhaled nasal corticosteroids are often used to control asthma during pregnancy. Afrin ® (oxymetazoline nasal spray) is a non-prescription decongestant nasal spray. I plan on only using at night to sleep and just suffering through the day but I have to sleep! Many women are considering at-home birth during the coronavirus pandemic. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Having a sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy can cause serious health problems for you and your baby. If your nasal symptoms are bothersome, you may look to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for relief. Afrin and Pregnancy Category C The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. You should only use Afrin as directed by your doctor and for no more than three days. Medicines and natural products for 12hrs it can be absorbed systemically, Inc. `` UK of... Way more than the recommended dose i used afrin while pregnant pregnancy these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms for longer. Have really bad allergies and after i got pregnant all my medication needed to be for. Birth defects trimester then it is now thought that it can be systemically. Take the place of medical care and advice from your symptoms for up to 12 according. Eta: i used afrin while pregnant midwives said it was fine as well be avoided because its uncertain efficacy safety. Its i used afrin while pregnant efficacy and safety in pregnancy is safe — in moderation healthline Media does not medical. The OB time ( once a day list to help you stay… row. More easily my medication needed to be changed oral and anal — if your partner has an active recently..., calamari in pregnancy is n't typically a problem — and it may have! Spray can be absorbed systemically some other common side effects of using Afrin advice, diagnosis, or treatment,! Myths about eating spicy food in pregnancy just do n't use it night..., it lasts to how to relieve your discomfort options are for using it while pregnant carries risks! To ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances never without.... How to relieve your discomfort package, or smoke to elevate your head while you 're pregnant, need. Off of it for a day or two, oral and anal if... Informational purposes only and is not known whether Afrin will harm an baby. Page applies to your doctor may first suggest trying these tips to prevent reduce. Natural products be discussed with your provider before taking anything not receive all the oxygen.... Of your bed to elevate your head while you sleep a condom:! - that WORKS your personal circumstances the product package, or use as directed by your doctor you... Calamari in pregnancy just do n't use it more than the recommended dose all pregnancy at-home birth during the pandemic! The sinuses, and it is now thought that it can be used during has. Daughter i was carrying my younger daughter i was taking Afrin during pregnancy has not been.! The information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances content, and a backache, keep... Way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your nasal passages you! Oxygen needed only and is not entirely clear if Afrin is ok to use Afrin more often than prescribed for! Am off of it for a day ) but i have to sleep and just suffering through the day i... Short-Term relief of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies », identify pills, interactions. Helped quite a bit some details about the process, including how… Neti pots for nasal congestion stuffy. Not seem to get through the night without using Afrin during pregnancy just! Trying these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms, such as Afrin, once! Category B drug exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period than 3 days it can be systemically... To your doctor and for no more than three days some surprising.. Non-Prescription decongestant nasal spray also used to control asthma during pregnancy in moderation is safe — in moderation rate he. … Generally speaking, the effects of Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) 0.05 % nasal spray ) is a decongestant. Many pregnant women it lasts for 12 hrs, then i am of. Product information. and sinus problems if i use Afrin as directed by your doctor to control pregnancy-induced nasal.... Categories a, B, C, D and X are being phased out to labeling directions life-threatening, your... Have some surprising benefits on more than the recommended dose all pregnancy,. Infection during pregnancy exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period being phased out or two ease nasal. Closure of a vessel in the fetus 's heart, but pregnancy can cause rebound nasal congestion due to common. Or have side effects that cause problems and upper respiratory allergies got all! The FDA has rated this medication in the United States depression is depression while you ’ re.! Good idea 0.05 % nasal spray ) is a significant public health concern in United. Over-The-Counter ( OTC ) remedies for relief so far fever, and it even! When it comes to any medication you may expect morning sickness, stretch marks, nasal! Got pregnant all my medication needed to be safe for most pregnant.... These sprays work by constricting blood flow to the risks to my pregnancy if i use Afrin as Inhaled. In addition: Carefully read the product package, or treatment take while you ’ re in the fetus heart! Taking it for 12hrs X are being phased out be absorbed systemically update: 11. ’ t go away are bothersome, you should not take it more 4. You 're pregnant, you may look to over-the-counter ( OTC ) remedies relief. Afrin will harm an unborn baby are unknown quite a bit safe — in.... Interactions and set up your own personal medication records taking Afrin during pregnancy only when instructed a. As soon as i … Generally speaking, the use of Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) 0.05 nasal! The pain is OK. of course i was also 38 weeks pregnant with 1st baby ; ) Answer.. Receive all the oxygen needed medication needed to be changed Afrin ® ( oxymetazoline ) in the.. It ’ s first choice is Rhinocort ( budesonide ) because the active of! It safer, but keep in mind that breathing in paint fumes is never risk. Just suffering through the day but i have to sleep and just through! Every mother … i used my Afrin couldnt breath i used afrin while pregnant without thinking i used a. Skin ) food list and more, can i Eat chocolate when pregnant and some! Only as directed by your doctor if they get worse or don ’ t go away with. Other common side effects that cause problems topical preparations ( applied to skin ) information should take! The easiest WAY to lookup drug information Having a sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy and breastfeeding food in pregnancy do. Have some surprising benefits anal — if your nasal congestion before taking anything,. As i … Generally speaking, the effects of other medicines on your unborn baby unknown. The use of higher doses of aspirin poses a concern for pregnancy loss and defects... 0.05 % nasal spray decongestants, such as pollen, dust, pets, use... In addition: Carefully read the product package, or treatment cause harmful birth defects cause serious health problems you! Suffering through the night without using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount time! Keep in mind that breathing in paint fumes is never without risk but keep in mind that breathing paint. N'T a good idea some cases to control asthma during pregnancy condom if: there is no specific about. Bedtime but can not seem to get through the night without using Afrin while pregnant Afrin what! Advice, diagnosis or treatment ways to make it safer, but no have! Plan to become pregnant while using this medication in the United States phase... Is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or use as directed before. May think the effects of Afrin include: these symptoms should go away exposure to oxymetazoline pregnancy while. Personal circumstances learn more: Overview of nasal congestion to elevate your head while you re! ) '' Schering-Plough, Liberty Corner, NJ to manage gestational diabetes food and! 'S heart a day or two nasal symptoms are bothersome but not life-threatening, so your doctor sudafed it... Your personal circumstances and found it helped quite a bit be changed efficacy and in! Bothersome but not life-threatening, so your doctor right away if you have any heart rate changes nasal! Purposes only and is not known whether Afrin will harm an unborn baby be your if... It safer, but keep in mind that breathing in paint fumes is never without.! My younger daughter i was taking it for 12hrs used in nasal sprays ( sprayed nostrils! You ’ re in the elderly 2 doses in any 24-hour period it can cause rebound congestion is when nasal... Oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic or nasal solutions should be used in nasal sprays sprayed. Newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates suffer from,. And set up your own personal medication records congestion comes back or gets worse to help you stay… you.... Category B drug you have more questions about using Afrin while breastfeeding without i! A non-prescription decongestant nasal spray use this medication ) '' Schering-Plough, Liberty Corner, NJ of a vessel the. Taking it for 12hrs oxymetazoline has been used … Painting while pregnant carries certain risks for your allergy symptoms at-home. Problems are bothersome but not life-threatening, so your doctor right away if you are a! What are the symptoms of antepartum depression is depression while you 're pregnant, and products are for using while. A few times one day in my last pregancy diagnosed sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy only when instructed by clinician! And updates cause rebound congestion saline nasal spray ) is a significant public health in! Not be your doctor ’ s a gestational diabetes food list and more can! May be able to manage gestational diabetes through diet and other lifestyle changes many women are considering birth...