Pregnancy-Safe Cold & Flu Medication
Pregnancy is a time of great physical and emotional changes, and it can be difficult to know which medications are safe to take. Cold and flu medications are generally safe to take during pregnancy, but it is important to read the directions on the package and talk with a doctor or midwife before taking any medication.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe throughout the entire pregnancy, but should be taken only as needed and with caution if you have allergies or liver problems. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is safe in the second and third trimester, but not in the first due to a small risk of abdominal wall birth defects.
Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are both safe throughout pregnancy, but should be avoided while breastfeeding. Antibiotics should not be taken unless absolutely necessary, so make sure your health care provider knows you are pregnant if they prescribe antibiotics.
Worried about the effects of taking pregnancy safe cold medicine? Learn which medications are safe and effective to use during pregnancy in this guide!
Which over-the-counter cold medications are safe during pregnancy?
Cold medications can be a tricky subject for pregnant women. While it is important to treat the symptoms of a cold, it is also important to take precautions and consult with a doctor before taking any medication. Acetaminophen is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but should only be taken in the minimum effective dose for as long as necessary.
Antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine, loratadine, cetirizine, dexchlorpheniramine, doxylamine and diphenhydramine are usually approved for use during pregnancy. Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan and cough drops with benzocaine or menthol are usually safe for pregnant women.
Decongestant corticosteroid nasal sprays can be used safely for short-term relief of congestion during pregnancy. Nasal strips, saline nasal sprays, and Neti pots are the safest options to use during pregnancy. Decongestant chest rubs with camphor and menthol are also safe to use.
What to take for common cold symptoms
When it comes to treating the common cold, there are a few options available. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant found in over-the-counter medications such as Robitussin and should not exceed 120 mg in 24 hours.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant found in Mucinex that helps thin mucus from the chest or throat, with a maximum dose of 2,400 mg in 24 hours. Honey can also be used to improve nighttime coughing for pregnant women and children. Cold medications are not well-studied for use during pregnancy, so it is best to wait until after the 12th week.
Common cold medicines include plain cough syrup, dextromethorphan and guaifenesin syrups, acetaminophen, and pseudoephedrine. Home treatments such as rest, hydration, gargling salt water, using saline nose drops, humidifying the air in your room, using menthol rub s, and drinking warm liquids can also help alleviate cold symptoms.
Common cold symptoms during pregnancy
Common cold symptoms during pregnancy can be quite uncomfortable and may include sneezing, mild fatigue, a runny or stuffy nose, and a dry cough. A low-grade fever typically under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is also common.
It’s important to note that cold symptoms usually last between 10 to 14 days, but if they persist longer than that time frame or worsen, it’s important to talk to your primary care physician.
To help manage common cold symptoms during pregnancy, there are several things you can do. Eating a healthy diet and drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated is essential. Getting plenty of rest and doing light exercise can also help your body fight off the cold faster.
Additionally, consuming foods with Vitamin C and Zinc can boost your immune system. Using a humidifier in the home will moisten dry conditions while saline nose drops, rinses, and sprays can moisten nasal passages.
Medications that are safe for pregnant women to take for a cold
Pregnant women often experience colds and other illnesses, but it is important to consult an OBGYN before taking any medications while pregnant. There are several cold medications that are generally safe to take during pregnancy.
Common cold remedies include decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants. Acetaminophen is safe to take for pain and fever relief, but should not exceed the recommended maximum dosage per day. Antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine, loratadine, cetirizine, dexchlorpheniramine, doxylamine and diphenhydramine are considered safe for pregnant women.
Dextromethorphan and cough drops with benzocaine or menthol are also generally approved for use during pregnancy. Decongestant corticosteroid nasal sprays are usually safe to use over a short period of time.
Is it safe to take cold medicine while pregnant?
When it comes to taking cold medicine while pregnant, it is important to be cautious. While some cold medications have been studied and are generally considered safe for pregnant women, others have not been researched well enough or have been linked to pregnancy complications.
It is always best to consult a doctor before taking any cold medicine while pregnant.
Certain cold medicines are considered safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding, but always check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist first. The American Pregnancy Association recommends limiting the amount of over-the-counter cold medicines and trying certain home remedies to alleviate symptoms.
Home remedies for sinus congestion include using a humidifier, keeping your head elevated on a pillow while resting and/or using adhesive nasal strips; for a sore throat, they recommend sucking on ice chips, drinking warm herbal tea (non-caffeinated) or gargling warm salt water.
Ultimately, it is important for pregnant women to be aware of the potential risks associated with taking cold medicine and consult their doctor before taking any medication.
Choosing the best cold medicine for pregnancy
When it comes to choosing the best cold medicine for pregnancy, it is important to read labels and choose medications with the least number of active ingredients. It is also recommended to buy specific medications for individual symptoms rather than a multi-symptom medication.
Before taking any medication during pregnancy, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider first. Acetaminophen is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy, but should be taken at the minimum effective dose and never exceed the recommended maximum dosage per day.
Antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine, loratadine, cetirizine, dexchlorpheniramine, doxylamine and diphenhydramine are safe for pregnant women to take; however, diphenhydramine should only be used in the third trimester under a doctor’s direction.
Dextromethorphan and cough drops with benzocaine or menthol are usually approved for use during pregnancy as well. Decongestant corticosteroid nasal sprays are usually safe to use over a short period of time.
It is important to remember that no medication is 100% safe during pregnancy, and it is always best to consult a doctor before taking any cold medicine while pregnant.
