VMICHELLE asked
IS IT OK TO TAKE BONJESTA WITH ZYRTEC WHILE PREGNANT?
Answer
Bonjesta is considered safe to during pregnancy and intended to be used for the treatment of pregnancy-induced nausea/vomiting in women who do not respond to non-drug thereapy (i.e. change in diet and lifestyle modifications). It contains two medications:
- Doxylamine (sedating antihistamine)
- Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
According to studies, there is no increased risk of teratogenicity or malformations in infants from pregnant mothers who take Bonjesta.
As doxylamine is a sedating antihistamine (similar to Benadryl), it is not recommended to be used with additional antihistamines, such as Zyrtec.
Zyrtec can cause sedation in nearly 10% of individuals and taking with Bonjesta increases the risk of additive sedation. In addition, both drugs are considered CNS depressants. Use of both could increase the risk of:
- Impaired movement
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Respiratory depression
There haven't been well-controlled studies with use of Zyrtec during human pregnancy so it generally isn't recommended over more well studied drugs, such doxylamine (which is contained in Bonjesta).
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommend that Zyrtec only be used as as alternative to first-generation antihistamines, such as doxylamine, if they are not tolerated, and preferably after the first trimester.
If you are suffering from allergies and have been prescribed Bonjesta, it is important to see your doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and for treatment options to are safe for you.
