Pregnancy-safe medications
| Problem | Safe medicine to take when pregnant |
| Heartburn, gas and bloating, upset stoma ... | Antacids for heartburn (Maalox, Mylanta, ... |
| Cough or cold | Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Note that many c ... |
| Pain relief, headache, and fever | Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Note that many c ... |
| Allergy relief | Loratadine, an antihistamine (Alavert, C ... |
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Actifed.
- Saline nasal drops or spray.
- Sudafed.
- Tylenol Sinus.
- Tylenol Cold and Flu.
- Warm salt/water gargle.
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 is the best cold medicine for pregnant women?
- Acetaminophin to relieve pain and reduce fevers. ...
- Antihistamines to relieve nasal congestion. ...
- 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. ...
Is it safe to have a cold while pregnant?
While there is never really a good time to have a cold or the flu, having one during pregnancy comes with additional difficulties. Unfortunately, getting sick during pregnancy isn’t uncommon—the immune system goes through a series of changes during those nine months.
What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?
What Medicines Can I Take While Pregnant?
- Pain or headache relief. Acetaminophen (Tylenol; category B) is the drug of choice for pain during pregnancy. ...
- Cold medicine. Cold medications are not well-studied for use during pregnancy. ...
- Heartburn and acid reflux. ...
- Mild and severe allergies. ...
- Constipation. ...
- Nausea and vomiting. ...
- Hemorrhoids. ...
- Yeast infections. ...
- Skin rashes, cuts, scrapes. ...
- Difficulty sleeping. ...
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
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 much pseudoephedrine can you take in 24 hours?
You’ll have to provide identification to purchase it, and stores track how much you purchase. The maximum dose of a typical decongestant is 240 mg in 24 hours.
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.
Does tea help with congestion?
A mug of tea can help pain and congestion and pain. But if it’s herbal tea, check what’s in it, as many teas are mixtures. Read the label to make sure there are no unhealthy or contraindicated ingredients.
Can you take a nasal spray while pregnant?
Doctors recommend that using these in pregnancy should be done cautiously and only when absolutely necessary. Taking it in a nasal spray is likely preferred because less is absorbed into the system that way, decreasing the risk to babies.
Can you take cough suppressant while pregnant?
Doctors typically say that dextromethorphan (DM), the active ingredient in a lot of cough syrups, is safe in pregnancy. Read the labels, though, as sometimes cough suppressants contain other medications. You should always see a doctor for a stub born and prolonged cough.
Does Guaifenesin help with colds?
These are medications that help to loosen and get rid of the phlegm that comes with a cold, Read the labels for confirmation, but if it a medicine contains guaifenesin, it can thin and loosen mucus in the airways, clear congestion, make breathing easier, and not be contraindicated in pregnancy.
What is the best medicine for a cold while pregnant?
OTC medications for colds and flus include. Tylenol ( acetaminophen) Guaifenesin syrup. Saline nasal drops or spray. Tylenol Sinus.
Why do pregnant women get colds?
Pregnant women are highly likely to pick up a cold at some time during pregnancy because it's normal to catch two or three colds a year. A healthy lifestyle is a must to keep the immune system strong and to prevent colds.
What is OTC medicine?
Cold, Flu, Allergy Treatments. Before treating a cold, the flu, or allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it's important to know what's causing the symptoms, which symptoms one wishes to relieve, and the active ingredients in the OTC product.
How to avoid colds?
Avoid close contact with people who have a cold. Wash your hands for 20 seconds every few hours. Use a clean towel to dry your hands. Avoid touching your face, especially your nose and eyes to prevent infection.
What is the common cold?
The common cold or viral rhinitis is an upper respiratory infection caused by several types of viruses. It is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting humans. A common cold may typically follow a certain pattern of progression that has four different stages.
How to get rid of a cold after a cold?
Drinking warm water with two to three teaspoons of honey mixed in to curb dry cough that may occur after having a cold. Taking prenatal vitamins and zinc may help increase your resistance to combat a cold or flu. Making sure to eat a healthy diet even when you don’t have much of an appetite.
What are the symptoms of the cold and flu?
Though the common cold and flu share many signs and symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. Signs and symptoms include sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and cough. Treatment options for the cold and flu are similar and focus on reducing symptoms.
What is the best medicine to take after 1st trimester?
Pseudoephedrine ( [Sudafed®] after 1st trimester) Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)*. Saline nasal drops or spray. Warm salt/water gargle. *Note: Do not take the "SA" (Sustained Action) form of these drugs or the "Multi-Symptom" form of these drugs. Do not use Nyquil ® due to its high alcohol content. Type of Remedy: Diarrhea.
What are the risks of having a baby while pregnant?
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol or uses drugs during her pregnancy, so does her baby.
Can you take prescription medications before you get pregnant?
If you were taking prescription medicines before you became pregnant, please ask your healthcare provider about the safety of continuing these medicines as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.
Can a baby drink alcohol while pregnant?
You may know some women who had very little alcohol during pregnancy and had babies with serious health conditions. Every pregnancy is different and drinking alcohol may hurt one baby more than another. Due to their small liver, babies cannot break down the alcohol as well as you can.
Can you take a medicine while pregnant?
Although some medicines are considered safe during pregnancy, the effects of other medicines on your unborn baby are unknown. Certain medicines can be most harmful to a developing baby when taken during the first three months of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
Is it safe to take illegal drugs while pregnant?
Although some medicines are considered safe during pregnancy, the effects of other medicines on your unborn baby are unknown. Illegal drugs are never okay, and you should check with your healthcare provider regarding your current prescriptions.