Many over-the-counter and most prescription medications are safe to take during pregnancy. The following list of over-the-counter medications can safely be used to treat many common problems you may encounter during your pregnancy. However, if you ever have any questions regarding the safety of a medication, please call our office.
Aches, Pains, Fever and Headaches – Tylenol and Tylenol Extra Strength.
DO NOT take Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve or Naprosyn for any of these problems.
Heartburn – Rolaids or Tums are best to try first for heartburn. Others that are may be used are Maalox or Mylanta liquid, Zantac, Pepcid, Prilosec or Prevacid.
DO NOT USE Pepto-Bismol in pregnancy.
Seasonal Allergies – Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin or Allegra
Sore throat – Any lozenges or spray can be used
Congestion or Runny Nose – Sudafed
Cough – Robitussin, Robitussin DM, Mucinex D or Mucinex
Insomnia -Tylenol PM, Unisom or Benadryl
Constipation – Colace or Dulcolax 2-3 times per day, any fiber supplement once a day, or Miralax once a day
Cold & Flu:
As far as it is known, the medications listed below do not cause any harmful effects during pregnancy. They have been used extensively in pregnancy, but no formal studies have been done. There is no 100% safety guaranteed; therefore, if you can get by without medication, that is your best choice.
General: Cold and flu symptoms usually last a week regardless of what you do. Since these illnesses are viral, antibiotics are not effective. Taking ineffective medication may result in risk without benefit. It also results in bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotic, so it will have no effect when it is needed. Sore throats are rarely strep if the sore throat is less than seven days old. If there is any doubt, come in for a throat culture.
Good home remedies
-Increase your fluid intake by 50%. Juices high in vitamin C, such as orange juice, are especially good.
-A humidifier for increasing moisture in the air is helpful. Consider one for the bedroom. Cool mist is best, but steam also works well.
-Controlled studies show taking zinc will cut the time of your flu in half and taking zinc when not ill will reduce the number of illnesses by half. Take 100 mg per day when sick and 50 mg per day to prevent illness. Zinc can be taken in pill form or by lozenges.
-Get plenty of rest.
-Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
-Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic and may lead to dehydration.
Congestion: There are several over-the-counter medications that will relieve congestion.
-Sudafed: Take as directed on the label. Be careful of any medication containing phenypropanolamine because it can elevate blood pressure. Please check with your doctor if you have a history of high blood pressure.
-Afrin: It can be purchased in nasal spray or drop form. Prolonged use can cause dependency.
Cough: The use of Robitussin DM or PE cough syrup should help. Use as directed on the label.
Sore Throat: Gargle with Chloraseptic or Cepastat four times per day. Each preparation comes in lozenges as well. A salt water gargle is acceptable if you want to try a more “natural” method.
Fever, Aches and Pains: Tylenol is recommended for fever, aches and pains from the flu. Drugs such as Motrin, Aleve and Nuprin have been on the market for a relatively short period of time and their safety has not been as thoroughly proven as Tylenol (acetaminophen). Aspirin can delay onset of labor, irritate the stomach and cause clotting problems. Aspirin should be avoided.
When to call your doctor
-Fever over 101
-Symptoms over seven days that do not appear to be improving.
-Difficulty breathing. (Not including a stuffy nose)
-Coughing up bloody or rusty sputum.
-You are much more likely to be able to talk to your doctor if you call during office hours – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.
Note: Generics may be substituted for brand names in the suggested medications above.
