Risks of Decongestants in Pregnancy

2013-09-30 08:43:54

The first trimester is known to be a delicate time in fetal development, when it is most susceptible to damage from substances such as alcohol, drugs, medications as well as some infections. Many women make the incorrect assumption that certain over the counter medications, such as decongestants for cold and hay fever, are without risk. New research has found a link between first trimester use of some oral and intranasal decongestants and risk of certain birth defects.⁽¹⁾ Although the authors state the risks are considered small, in combination with previously published research,^{(2, 3, 4)} there is enough evidence to suggest these drugs should be avoided during pregnancy. The associated risks found in this study were: phenylephrine with an increased risk of endocardial cushion defect, phenylpropanolamine with ear defects, phenylpropanolamine with pyloric stenosis, intranasal decongestants with pyloric stenosis, intranasal imidazolines with trachoesophageal defects and oxymetazoline with kidney anomalies. Interestingly these decongestants all cause blood vessel constriction which may explain how these drugs may affect fetal development. There are many other options to relieving symptoms of allergies and the common cold that are not associated with such devastating risk. Pregnant women should always seek the advice of a health professional before taking any medications or supplements.