Flonase, Rhinocort, and More: Which Nasal Allergy Sprays Can You Use While Pregnant?

Nasal allergy sprays treat stuffy noses and itchy eyes related to allergies. But if you’re pregnant, you may wonder if they’re safe to use.

Studies have shown that many nasal sprays, including Flonase and Rhinocort, are safe to use during pregnancy to treat allergies. But others, like Nasacort and Afrin, should be avoided.

What nasal allergy sprays are safe during pregnancy?

There are different types of nasal allergy sprays available. Below, we’ll run through which ones are considered safe to use during pregnancy.

Most nasal steroid sprays

For most people, nasal steroid sprays are a first-choice option for treating and preventing allergies. This includes during pregnancy. Though, only some nasal steroid sprays are recommended if you’re expecting.

Nasal steroid sprays that are safe to use during pregnancy include:

• Rhinocort Allergy (budesonide), which is the preferred option

• Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate)

• Nasonex (mometasone)

• Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate)

It’s important to note that studies suggest both versions of Flonase are safe if you’re pregnant. But a small study found that Flonase Allergy Relief was no more effective than a placebo during pregnancy. In this case, a placebo is a nasal spray that contains no medication.

NasalCrom

NasalCrom (cromolyn) is a nasal spray that has been recognized as safe to use during pregnancy since the 1970s. This mast cell stabilizer is one of the safest nasal sprays to use if you’re pregnant. But it’s also one of the least effective. It takes several weeks to start working, and it provides less relief than nasal steroid sprays. But Nasalcrom might be an option if you can’t tolerate nasal steroids.

Nasal antihistamines

Nasal antihistamines are thought to be safe to use during pregnancy. But there are currently no pregnancy safety studies that have been conducted in humans. The two available nasal antihistamines are Astepro (azelastine) and Patanase (olopatadine). If you’ve been using one of these products, talk to your prenatal care team about whether it’s the best option for you.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Beyond nasal allergy sprays: Learn about other allergy medications that are safe to use during pregnancy — and more that aren’t.

• Other medication to avoid: Experts review several medications, beyond nasal sprays, that aren’t considered safe during pregnancy.

• Pregnancy rhinitis: It’s common to develop a stuffy nose, or rhinitis, during pregnancy. Read about why this happens and what you can do about it.

What nasal allergy spray medications are not safe during pregnancy?

There are a few nasal allergy sprays that generally aren’t recommended during pregnancy. Though, you can still discuss these options with your prenatal care team.

Nasacort Allergy

While most nasal steroid sprays are considered safe to use during pregnancy, there’s one that isn’t recommended: Nasacort Allergy (triamcinolone).

In one study, this nasal steroid spray was linked to lung and respiratory birth defects in a small number of pregnancies. Larger studies would be needed to confirm this information. However, many healthcare professionals recommend avoiding Nasacort during pregnancy to be safe.

Nasal decongestants like Afrin

Decongestants are generally considered unsafe to use during pregnancy. But most of the research in this area focuses on oral decongestants, like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). The studies that have been done on nasal spray decongestants, like Afrin (oxymetazoline), are limited. One study found a link between Afrin use during pregnancy and certain birth defects. However, more studies would be needed to say for sure whether it's safe or unsafe.

Discuss whether it’s safe to use Afrin during pregnancy with your prenatal care team first. Some healthcare professionals may say a short course (no more than 3 consecutive days) is OK. Others may recommend avoiding Afrin altogether. Your prenatal specialist will weigh your unique risks when making a recommendation.

What else can you do to treat your allergies during pregnancy?

There are plenty of other ways to treat and manage allergy symptoms during pregnancy. Oral antihistamines, like Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine), are safe to take if you’re pregnant. Just be aware that some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Nondrowsy options, like Claritin (loratadine), may be preferable.

If you want to avoid taking medication, consider trying these tips to combat allergies:

• Watch pollen and mold counts in your area. This will help you know when your allergy symptoms are likely to be worse.

• Stay inside when possible. When allergen counts are higher, try to stay inside if you can. Keep your doors and windows shut to help keep allergens out of your house.

• Wash off after being outside. After coming inside, change your clothes and take a quick shower. This will help remove pollen and mold from your clothing and body.

• Wear a mask while being exposed to allergens. Wearing a properly fitting mask when you’re outside can help reduce allergy symptoms. An N95 mask will provide better protection from allergens than surgical or cloth masks.

• Consider a HEPA filter. If you have pet or indoor allergies, a HEPA filter may be helpful for lowering the allergen count in your house.

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Written by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

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