Safe Cold Medicines During Pregnancy
Most over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications are safe to use during pregnancy. However, it’s essential to check with your healthcare provider before taking medications, read the label for warnings, and never exceed the recommended dose. If you come down with a cold and prefer to avoid cold medicines, you can also try to ease your symptoms with natural methods.
Safe Cold Medicines
When choosing a medication, be aware that some may contain multiple active ingredients. Be sure that they’re all on the list of safe medicines. Also, check the label for any warnings and precautions. OTC medications clearly state who should not use the product. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about cold medicines.
Cold medications that are safe during pregnancy include:
- For headaches and body aches:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- For a stuffy nose:
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
- Phenylephrine (Dristan)
- Topical menthol rubs (Vicks)
- Oxymetazoline nasal sprays (Afrin or Vicks Sinex)
- For a runny nose:
- None
- For a cough:
- Dextromethorphan (Robitussin)
- Guaifenesin (Robitussin, Mucinex)
When choosing a cough medicine, look for one without alcohol.
Caution: Benzocaine, Menthol, and Phenol
Consult your healthcare provider before using throat sprays or lozenges containing benzocaine, phenol, or menthol. More research in humans is needed to determine their effect on your pregnancy and unborn baby.
Cold Medicines to Avoid
Avoid the following cold medications while pregnant unless your healthcare provider recommends them:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Aspirin use is associated with a higher risk of bleeding during delivery and the postpartum period.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that using NSAIDs around 20 weeks or later may cause premature fetal blood vessel closure, rare but severe fetal kidney problems, and low amniotic fluid levels surrounding the fetus.
- Pseudoephedrine
- Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed and Sudafed PE, should be avoided during the first trimester.
- These medications can raise your blood pressure and have been linked to rare fetal abnormalities when used in the first trimester.
- Codeine
- Taking codeine during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusion
It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any cold medications during pregnancy. While some medications are safe to use, others can pose risks to your pregnancy and unborn baby. Always read the label and follow the recommended dosage to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
FAQs
Q: Can I take cold medicines during pregnancy?
A: Most over-the-counter cold medications are safe to use during pregnancy, but it’s essential to check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Q: What cold medicines are safe during pregnancy?
A: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and guaifenesin (Robitussin, Mucinex) are safe to use during pregnancy.
Q: What cold medicines should I avoid during pregnancy?
A: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), pseudoephedrine, and codeine should be avoided during pregnancy unless recommended by your healthcare provider.
Q: Can I take natural remedies to ease my cold symptoms during pregnancy?
A: Yes, you can try natural methods such as staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and using saline nasal sprays to ease your cold symptoms during pregnancy.
