medications i can take while pregnant

What medicines are safe to take while pregnant?

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
• Loratidine (Claritin®)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)

Which sleeping pills can I take while I am pregnant?

What Are Some Safe Sleep Medications During Pregnancy?

• Antihistamines. Several antihistamines are thought to be safe for use during pregnancy, according to BabyCenter.com.
• Zolpidem. Zolpidem is a prescription-strength medication that is considered to be a sedative and useful for short-term sleep assistance.
• Class C Drugs. Several other common prescription sleep aids are considered to be Class C drugs. ...

What is a safe medication list for pregnancy?

Safe to take: Benadryl, Sudafed, Afrin nasal spray, Claratin, Robitussin DM, Vicks Formula 44, Halls cough drops. Over the counter medications are safe during pregnancy. Make sure you read the labels for the drug ingredients. Make sure you are taking for only the symptoms you have and take as directed.

What pain relievers are safe during pregnancy?

These prescription analgesics are available in several different forms and brand names, including:

• Codeine
• OxyContin (oxycodone)
• Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
• Roxanol (morphine)
• Demerol (meperidine)
• Duragesic (fentanyl)
• Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen)

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What medications are safe while pregnant?

Safe Medications to Take During PregnancyAluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate (Gaviscon®)*Famotidine (Pepcid AC®)Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox®)Calcium carbonate/magnesium carbonate (Mylanta®)Calcium carbonate (Titralac®, Tums®)Ranitidine (Zantac®)

What medicine can you take for Covid while pregnant?

A: For mild symptoms, it is safe to take several over-the-counter medications in pregnancy. For symptoms of fevers, chills or body aches, it is safe to take acetaminophen. One gram of acetaminophen (two 500mg tablets) every six hours can help decrease a fever. If you have a cough, cough syrups are safe in pregnancy.

Can I take ibuprofen while pregnant?

The bottom line. Ibuprofen is not a first-choice pain reliever during pregnancy. It's not recommended after the 20th week of pregnancy because it may harm your baby's kidneys, lungs, and heart. Before week 20 of pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider to see if ibuprofen is a good option for you.

What painkillers can I take pregnant?

Mild/moderate painParacetamol is regarded as the medicine of choice for mild-to-moderate pain in pregnancy. ... NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen might be prescribed by a doctor for use in the first and second trimesters.More items...

What if I am pregnant and have Covid?

Risks during pregnancy Pregnant women with COVID-19 are also more likely to deliver a baby before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy (premature birth). Pregnant women with COVID-19 might also be at increased risk of problems such as stillbirth and pregnancy loss.

Is it ok take Tylenol while pregnant?

Acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, is a mild pain-relieving drug commonly found in over-the-counter pain and cold medications such as Tylenol. It has generally been considered safe to use during pregnancy.

What can I take for headache while pregnant?

Most pregnant women can safely take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to treat occasional headaches. Your health care provider might recommend other medications as well. Make sure you have the OK from your health care provider before taking any medication, including herbal treatments.

What can I take for a headache while pregnant Besides Tylenol?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs are often used to relieve headache pain. These include over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin.

Can I take 500mg Tylenol while pregnant?

Yes, Tylenol is safe during pregnancy Compared with other over-the-counter pain relievers, Tylenol is considered the safest pain medicine you can take while pregnant. The Baylor College of Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology recommends it for common pregnancy symptoms: Headache.

How can I avoid miscarriage?

How Can I Prevent a Miscarriage?Be sure to take at least 400 mcg of folic acid every day, beginning at least one to two months before conception, if possible.Exercise regularly.Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.Manage stress.Keep your weight within normal limits.Don't smoke and stay away from secondhand smoke.More items...•

What medicine is not safe during pregnancy?

What medicines should you avoid during pregnancy?Bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol).Phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine, which are decongestants. ... Cough and cold medicines that contain guaifenesin. ... Pain medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen (such as Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (such as Aleve).

Can I take Advil while pregnant?

Advil is not a safe painkiller to use during pregnancy because it can cause rare but serious complications for your baby. Speak to your doctor about any bodily discomfort you experience during pregnancy and they will help you find relief in the safest way possible.

What decongestants affect blood flow to the placenta?

The decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, which can affect blood flow to the placenta. Pain relief, headache, and fever. Acetaminophen (Anacin Aspirin-Free, Tylenol, Shake That Ache!) Allergy relief.

Is it safe to take medication while pregnant?

No medication is 100 percent safe, and even medication that's safe for someone else to take during pregnancy might not be safe for you. So always check with your healthcare provider before you take any kind of medicine during pregnancy – even an over-the-counter (OTC) product. In general, don't take more than the recommended dose, ...

Is natural medicine safe for pregnant women?

Like any drug, some natural remedies are considered low risk in pregnancy and some aren't. The biggest challenge with determining the safety and effectiveness of natural or alternative remedies is that many haven't yet been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so the risks are simply unknown.

Can you use Tolnaftate while pregnant?

Tolnaftate (Absorbine Athlete's Foot Cream, Absorbine Footcare, Genaspor, Tinactin) Certain Cruex, Desenex, and FungiCure products that may contain antifungal agents not listed here and should not be used during pregnancy. Check labels carefully and avoid any products containing active ingredients not listed here.

Is it safe to use homeopathic remedies while pregnant?

Also, many natural and homeopathic remedies aren't well regulated, so it's difficult to know exactly what's in them. Some nonmedicinal treatments, like prenatal massage, can be perfectly safe and helpful during pregnancy. Others, such as acupuncture, are probably safe, but no one knows for sure.

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.

How to safely take medicine while pregnant?

Understanding drug labels when you're pregnant. Open any prescription or over-the-counter drug insert and read the fine print (squinting may be required ). Virtually all will spell out the reasons why a pregnant person shouldn't take the medication — or at least advise you to call your health care ...

What is the best medicine for bloating during pregnancy?

Fiber laxatives: Laxatives such as Metamucil for constipation get the green light. Gas aids: Gas-X and Mylicon are okay for the occasional relief of pregnancy bloat. Nasal sprays: Formulas containing steroids for a stuffy nose are fine to use, but check with your doctor for dosing and brand.

Why do doctors prescribe antibiotics during pregnancy?

If your doctor prescribes you an antibiotic during pregnancy, it's generally because the infection it's treating is more dangerous than any potential side effects of taking the drug.

What does the FDA label when pregnant?

Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) prescription drug labeling system offers detailed summaries of a drug's effects on pregnancy, lactation and "reproductive potential" (i.e. men and women who might get pregnant or are trying to conceive).

Can valproic acid cause birth defects?

Valproic acid: Used for epilepsy, bipolar disorder and sometimes migraines, valproic acid can cause major birth defects, such as a heart defect, and behavior and learning problems. Check with your practitioner if valproic acid can be changed to another medication prior to pregnancy.

Can you take more than one OTC medication?

In addition, if you need to take more than one med to treat multiple symptoms or conditions, you may accidentally get a double dose of the same ingredient (acetaminophen, for example).

Is witch hazel good for hemorrhoids?

Witch hazel: Tucks pads or glycerin products (Preparation H) are safe treatments for hemorrhoids. Other medications to manage chronic illnesses such as asthma or diabetes are often okay to continue during pregnancy — but it depends on the medication and your situation, so always be sure to check with your doctor first.

Over-the-Counter Medications Safe to Take During Pregnancy

Caution: do not take aspirin (Anacin, Bayer) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

Pain Relief

Caution: do not take aspirin (Anacin, Bayer) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

What medications should pregnant women avoid?

Pregnant women should avoid the following medications: ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Bactrim (an antibiotic), aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and codeine. When choosing medications, avoid all-in-one medications such as cold medicine that treats nasal congestion, fever, and aches and pains with one dose.

Why is it bad to take medication at 28 weeks?

Taking medications after 28 weeks is also discouraged, because they can impact your baby after birth. The medications can cross into your baby’s system, and baby may not handle it the same way you do, leading to things like breathing difficulties.

What to do if you have a fever while taking over the counter medication?

If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking an over-the-counter medication, contact your doctor immediately. You should also contact your doctor if you think you have the flu or experience dizziness, vaginal bleeding, severe vomiting, high fever, reduced fetal movement, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

When should I stop taking over the counter drugs?

If you’re newly pregnant (less than 12 weeks along), you may want to rethink taking unnecessary over-the-counter drugs. The first 12 weeks of your pregnancy are a critical time for your baby in terms of organ development. Many doctors recommend avoiding all over-the-counter drugs during this time.

Is it safe to take over the counter medication while pregnant?

Although many medications are thought to be safe during pregnancy, it ’s important to discuss any medications you’re taking with your doctor . That’s especially true if you have a high-risk pregnancy. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking an over-the-counter medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Can you take OTC while pregnant?

OTC medicines that are okay during pregnancy. Every woman experiences pregnancy differently. You might have morning sickness for months, while your best friend feels great. One universal, however, is that pregnant women can still get sick — and they experience more aches and pains than normal.

Is it safe to take over the counter medications during the second trimester?

Doing so can help to avoid birth defects and other serious problems that could arise from potentially harmful medications. Most doctors agree that it’s safer to take over-the-counter medications during the second trimester.

When should I avoid decongestants?

It's best to avoid the decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, especially in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, since there have been some reports of related birth defects. Although the risk appears to be low, it could be higher if you're a smoker. After the first trimester, occasional use of these medications (for example, ...

Can pregnant women take cold medicine?

Some of the ingredients in cold medications are considered safe for pregnant women, but others should be avoided. Most cold medicines are multi-symptom remedies that contain two or more drugs (although you can also buy these drugs individually).

Does benzocaine cause birth defects?

Other good studies of women who took the drug during pregnancy have found that it doesn't raise the risk of birth defects in humans. The local anesthetic benzocaine is combined with dextromethorphan in one product to treat sore throats.

Can I take ibuprofen after the first trimester?

After the first trimester, occasional use of these medications (for example, once or twice daily for no more than a day or two) is probably safe. More frequent use, however, can reduce blood flow to the placenta. You'll also need to avoid the pain relievers aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, sodium salicylate, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ...

Is it safe to take acetaminophen while pregnant?

It's considered safe to take during pregnancy as long as you take no more than the dose recommended on the label. Here are some cold medications to avoid:

Can you take doxylamine while pregnant?

Here are a few cold medications that are okay to take during pregnancy: The antihistamines chlorpheniramine, loratadine, doxylamine, brompheniramine, phenindamine, pheniramine, triprolidine, and diphenhydramine are considered low risk during pregnancy, but they can make you sleepy, especially doxylamine and diphenhydramine.

Is it safe to take meds during pregnancy?

Remember that no drug is 100 percent safe for all women, so it's a good idea to check with your doctor or midwife before taking any kind of medicine during pregnancy. Don't take more than the recommended dose and, if possible, avoid taking anything during your first trimester, when your developing baby is most vulnerable.

Medicine Guidelines During Pregnancy

Illegal Drugs/Alcohol

• Street drugs are not good for your health, but they are even worse for your unborn baby’s health, since drugs are passed to your baby while you are pregnant. Illegal drugs such as angel dust, cocaine, crack, heroin, LSD, marijuana, and speed increase the chance that your baby is born with many possible problems. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol...

See more on my.clevelandclinic.org

Prescription Medicine Guidelines