Preferred Asthma and Allergy Drugs in Pregnancy

(From the National Asthma Education Program's Working Group on Asthma and Pregnancy:)

Inhaled Steroids

• Beclomethasone, 2-5 puffs b.i.d. to q.i.d. for asthma and/or 2 sprays in each nostril b.i.d. to control allergic rhinitis.

Oral Steroids

• Prednisone, burst courses of 40 mg/day in single or divided doses for 1 week and then taper for 1 week. If prolonged therapy is necessary, a single morning dose of prednisone on alternate days may help to minimize side effects.

Cromolyn sodium

• 2 puffs q.i.d. for asthma and/or 2 sprays in each nostril b.i.d. to q.i.d. to control allergic rhinitis.

Inhaled Beta Agonists

• Two puffs every 4 hours as needed.

Theophylline

• Oral sustained-release preparations to reach serum concentrations of 8-12 ug/mL.

Antihistamines

• Chlorpheniramine, 4 mg up to q.i.d. or 8-12 mg sustained release b.i.d.
• Tripelennamine 25-50 mg up to q.i.d. or 100 mg sustained release b.i.d.

Decongestants

• Pseudoephedrine, 60 mg up to q.i.d. or 120 mg sustained release b.i.d.
• Oxymetazoline, intranasal spray or drops up to 5 days for rhinosinusitis.

Cough Medications

• Guaifenesin with or without dextromethorphan, 2 teaspoons q.i.d.

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