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Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking cetirizine - Brand names: Allacan, Benadryl Allergy, Piriteze Allergy, Zirtek Allergy

Cetirizine and pregnancy

Cetirizine can be taken in pregnancy.

Although there's not a lot of information about its use in pregnancy, there's no suggestion that it will harm your baby.

Cetirizine and breastfeeding

If you need to take an antihistamine and you're breastfeeding, cetirizine is one of the best choices.

There is some information which shows that only very small amounts of cetirizine get into breast milk. For many years it has been widely used while breastfeeding without causing any side effects in babies.

It's very rare for breastfed babies to have side effects from medicines you're taking. But it's important to keep monitoring your baby if you're taking any medicine while breastfeeding.

Contact your healthcare professional or call 111 as soon as possible if your baby is not feeding as well as usual or seems unusually sleepy.

If your baby has any symptoms that are not listed, or if you're worried about them, you can also call 111 or contact any healthcare professional.

Keep breastfeeding as usual until you've got advice about your baby's symptoms.

Cetirizine and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking cetirizine will reduce fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.

Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:

  • trying to get pregnant
  • pregnant
  • breastfeeding

Page last reviewed: 18 February 2025
Next review due: 18 February 2028