best cold medicine when pregnant

• aspirin (Bayer)
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• codeine
• Bactrim, an antibiotic

Full Answer

Which over-the-counter cold medications are safe during pregnancy?

Over-the-counter medicines safe to use during pregnancy

• Alavert ® or Claritin ® (loratadine)
• Benadryl ® (diphenhydramine)
• Zyrtec ® (cetirizine)

What can you take for a cold while pregnant?

What medicine can I take with a cold while pregnant?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Zinc lozenges.
• Chloraseptic spray (but a salt water gargle is just as effective, with no risks)

Is it safe to take cold medication while pregnant?

The cough suppressant dextromethorphan is often found in over-the-counter cold medicines like Robitussin and is considered safe for pregnant women. Cough drops with benzocaine or menthol are usually approved for use during pregnancy. Benzocaine doesn't get into the bloodstream, so it's very unlikely to pose a risk to a developing baby.

What medications are safe to take while pregnant?

COMMON MEDICATIONS SAFE IN PREGNANCY Clindamycin ACNE: Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Erythromycin . Salicylic Acid. AVOID: Accutane Metamucil. Retin-A . Tetracycline . Minocycline

What to do if you have a cold while pregnant?

If you come down with a cold while pregnant and you want to take something for symptom relief, look for medications that are formulated for your specific symptoms. Avoid multi-symptom formulas, especially those containing acetaminophen.

When to ask for antibiotics for a cold?

A word about antibiotics. So many patients call asking for antibiotics for a cold, usually when they’ve had symptoms for several days. There are a few times when antibiotics are appropriate, for instance, strep throat or sinus infections caused by bacteria.

How long does it take for an antibiotic to work for a cold?

If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for cold symptoms, it’s usually a short, three-day round of drugs.

Can pregnant women get a cold?

Most pregnant women can find relief from colds safely with over-the-counter drugs that treat specific symptoms. Most people experience two to three colds during the winter and spring, and pregnant women are no exception. Colds are caused by viruses for which there is no real cure – you can treat the symptoms that make you feel crummy, ...

Can you take over the counter cold medicine while pregnant?

Which over-the-counter cold medications are safe during pregnancy? Most pregnant women can find relief from colds safely with over-the-counter drugs that treat specific symptoms. Most people experience two to three colds during the winter and spring, and pregnant women are no exception. Colds are caused by viruses for which there is no real cure – ...

Can I buy OTC medication without a prescription?

Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications you can buy without a prescription come as multi-symptom formulas. These drugs are meant to treat every cold symptom: body aches, congestion, coughing, fever, headache, and sneezing. But not everyone develops every symptom of a cold, and pregnant women should avoid taking unnecessary drugs during pregnancy.

Is Benadryl safe for pregnancy?

Chlorpheniramine, such as Triaminic Allergy, and diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, are safe to take during pregnancy . However, both can cause drowsiness, so these are best taken at bedtime.

What medications should I avoid while pregnant?

These include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin and Advil (ibuprofen), Bayer (aspirin), and Aleve and Naprosyn (naproxen), higher doses of which can cause premature blood vessel closure in the baby.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

According to the CDC, colds usually have a generally onset and are commonly marked by sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, and mild to moderate chest discomfort. 3 The flu, on the other hand, has an abrupt onset marked by fever, aches, fatigue, headache, and chest pain.

How to get rid of a sore throat?

Staying in bed, napping, and getting as much rest as possible. Drinking plenty of water, soup broth, or juice. Gargling with salt water to treat a sore throat or cough. Sucking on ice chips to alleviate a sore throat and to help with hydration. Using a humidifier to help relieve congestion.

Can you take cold medicine after first trimester?

Even after your first tri mester, it is best to speak with your doctor about the types and brands of cold medications that are safe to take. Typically speaking, you should avoid any multi-symptom product, which could include ingredients that range from painkillers and decongestants to expectorants and cough suppressants.

Is codeine bad for babies?

Codeine, a narcotic drug which may cause fetal respiratory depression. Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim), an antibiotic that can interfere with folic acid metabolism while stimulating the production of bilirubin (a pigment found in the liver and excreted in bile), both of which are not good for the baby.

Can phenylephrine cause birth defects?

Pseudoephedrine- and phenylephrine-based decongestants, both of which may cause the constriction of blood vessels, potentially increasing the risk of a specific birth defect in the first trimester (particularly if you are a smoker) and risk of elevated blood pressures if used later in pregnancy.

Can you take Tylenol during pregnancy?

While it is usually recommended that women avoid medications during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, there are exceptions. Tylenol to prevent fever is recommended, as fever can be detrimental to a developing embryo. 1 

Natural cold remedies

Sip on hot water with lemon or a cup of tea with honey. A salt water gargle can also be helpful for soothing a sore throat. Sucking on hard candy or a lozenge can also help a sore throat.

Common cold and cough medicine ingredients

Be sure to check the ingredients of the medications you are taking to make sure you are not exceeding the daily maximum dosage. Many combination cough and cold medications contain similar ingredients.

Can you take Robitussin DM when pregnant?

Robitussin DM is a cough and cold combination medicine with guaifenesin and dextromethorphan as main ingredients. Guaifenesin loosens mucus while dextromethorphan works to suppress cough. Both ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy.

Can I take Mucinex when pregnant?

The active ingredients in Mucinex, Mucinex D, and Mucinex DM are guaifenesin, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine. Generally these medications are safe for pregnant patients after the first trimester.

Can I use Afrin nasal spray when pregnant?

Afrin nasal spray’s active ingredient is oxymetazoline. It has not been well studied, so experts recommend using nasal sprays like Afrin for short term use during pregnancy ( source ). A saline nasal s pray is another great option.

Can I drink Emergen-c when pregnant?

Emergen-c is considered safe during pregnancy for short term use. It is also considered to be safe when breastfeeding and won’t drastically affect breast milk.

Is Vicks safe during pregnancy?

Vicks VapoRub is safe during pregnancy. Vapor rubs can help with nasal congestion and the Vicks formula of menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil is considered to be safe during pregnancy ( source ).

How to reduce the risk of getting sick while pregnant?

Others things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick include: washing your hands often. getting enough sleep. eating a healthy diet. avoiding close contact with sick family or friends. exercising regularly. reducing stress.

How to get rid of a sore throat while pregnant?

When you fall ill while pregnant, your first steps should be to: Get plenty of rest. Drink a lot of fluids. Gargle with warm salt water, if you have a sore throat or cough. If your symptoms worsen, you might want to try: saline nasal drops and sprays to loosen nasal mucus and soothe inflamed nasal tissue.

What to take after 12 weeks of pregnancy?

Several medications are considered safe after 12 weeks of pregnancy. These include: menthol rub on your chest, temples, and under the nose. nasal strips, which are sticky pads that open congested airways. cough drops or lozen ges. acetaminophen (Tylenol) for aches, pains, and fevers. cough suppressant at night.

Can you take a cold while pregnant?

Although medications can relieve your symptoms, you don’t want the drug causing problems for the baby. Many medications can be taken while pregnant, so treating a cold or flu during pregnancy doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

Can you take OTC decongestant while pregnant?

When you become pregnant, everything that happens to you can affect not just your body, but that of your unborn child. This realization can make dealing with illness more complicated. In the past, if you got a cold or became sick with the flu, you may have taken an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant. But now you might wonder whether it’s safe. Although medications can relieve your symptoms, you don’t want the drug causing problems for the baby. Many medications can be taken while pregnant, so treating a cold or flu during pregnancy doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

How to prevent colds during pregnancy?

How to prevent a cold during pregnancy. Besides avoiding anyone who is visibly sick, wash your hands with soap and water a little more often — and scrupulously — than you did before. Don’t just wash and shake; use a towel to make sure your hands are completely dry when you’re done.

How to get rid of cold symptoms?

Sure, you probably don’t have much of an appetite, but eating as healthy a diet as possible when you do feel up to it can help with some of your cold symptoms. Focus on foods with vitamin C. They can help boost your immune system naturally.

How to help a baby's throat?

Moisturize your air. If dry conditions in your home aggravate your sensitive nasal passages and throat, misting the room with a cold or warm air humidifier at night can help. Adults can use either kind, but for safety’s sake, don’t ever use a warm-air version in a baby’s or toddler's room. Use saline nose drops, sprays or rinses.

How to boost immune system during pregnancy?

Chow down on more zinc. It may also help boost the immune system; pregnant women should aim to get 11-15 milligrams each day from all sources, including your prenatal vitamin. Fill up on turkey, beef, pork, cooked oysters, eggs, yogurt, wheat germ and oatmeal. Drink up.

Why is it important to see a doctor when you are pregnant?

When to see a doctor. When you’re expecting, your immune system runs at a lower speed than usual — which is actually a good thing, since it keeps your growing baby protected and stops your body from thinking that the fetus is a foreign entity. The downside of this immune suppression, though, is that your body doesn't ward off many ...

How to get better faster from cold?

Some of the most effective cold remedies don’t come from the pharmacy shelf. Here's how to feel better faster: Rest. Taking a cold to bed doesn’t necessarily shorten its duration, but if your body is begging for some rest, be sure to listen.

How long does a cold last?

Cold symptoms generally last 10 to 14 days . And yes, sorry to say, you can get a brand new cold just as the last one is ending, so if it feels like you always have the sniffles, you may be right. However, if your symptoms persist past 10 to 14 days, or seem to be getting progressively worse, let your practitioner know.

How to help someone with a cold?

If you know you are around someone who is struggling with a cold, avoid touching their hands or eating after them. Take extra effort to wash your hands more frequently when you are around those who have a cold or cough.

How to avoid a cold?

In order to avoid getting a cold or cough, the most important step to take is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you are eating nutritiously, getting the necessary amount of sleep, and exercising on a regular basis. In addition to this, it is important that you take your prenatal vitamins, as well as probiotics.

What is the best cough suppressant?

Tylenol) can be used to alleviate fevers, headaches, and body aches. Anesthetic sore throat lozenges can ease the pain in your throat. Codeine and dextromethorphan can often be used as cough suppressants.

How to give your body a lot of sleep during pregnancy?

Learn more about the importance of bed rest during pregnancy. Drink plenty of fluids – Drink water, juice, or broth to add necessary fluids back into your body. Eat well – Even if you cannot stomach larger meals, try eating small portions often.

Can you take cold medicine while pregnant?

Many medications you normally would use to treat the symptoms of your cold are not safe to take during your pregnancy. The following is a list of medications that pose little risk to your baby during pregnancy; however, it is best to consult with your doctor before taking any medications to relieve your symptoms.

Can you get a cold while pregnant?

When you become pregnant, your immune system is likely to change. As a result of these changes, you may contract a cold or cough at some point during your pregnancy. In addition, your illness may last longer. The good news is that even though you probably feel fatigued, the symptoms of a cold or flu are not typically dangerous to your baby.