What should I use for my hives?

Question

I'm 6 months pregnant and the mid-wife I've been seeing has told me to take benadryl if ever needed. I however can't take a drug that puts me to sleep all the time. I have hives for a week and a half now and can't take it anymore!!! I have to work and when I'm not doing that I'm a nanny for my brother. I don't have the time to be sleeping so much. I've also tried an oatmeal bath. But it seemed to make them worse. Any Ideas????

Answer 1

cortisone cream

Answer 2

CORTAID-advanced 12-hour anti-itch cream. It works really well and fast. I too have had hives for about 2 weeks now. I have been taking one 25mg dose of benadryl when I feel the hives coming on instead of two. It helps keep the drowsiness down.
I hope they resolve quickly for you....I know how frustrating they are. I think claritin is a non-drowsy antihistamine you could try.

Answer 3

Well, you really have to find out what's causing this mild allergic reaction. Have you called your doctor? Of course Benedryl is indicated for hives, although I don't feel that topical Benedryl will solve your problem. So my advise for you is to contact your doctor, and let him know what's going on. Keep in mind that a pregnancy is a "normal abnormalty", so your body will be stressed out. Best of luck to you, hope you feel better soon.

Answer 4

Claritin (or other brands of loratadine), an over-the-counter allergy medication, is somewhat effective and won't make you sleepy. It is reasonably safe (category B) in pregnancy. The prescription anti-allergy med Zyrtec may be more effective than Claritin and also is category B.

The H2-blockers famotidine (Pepcid) and ranitidine (Zantac) can be effective supplements to any of the above, although they won't do much by themselves. Both are safe in pregnancy.

Answer 5

You need to discuss this with a doctor to determine what would be an effective treatment and safe for the baby