Medications in Pregnancy

Many patients ask what over-the-counter medications are safe in pregnancy. Below is a partial list of over-the counter medications that are generally considered to be safe in pregnancy. Please consult with your personal physician about what medications are safe for you.



Pain Relief:

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the recommended pain reliever. Two extra strength tablets can be used as often as every four hours. Please do NOT use aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve, or any product containing these medications during pregnancy.



Congestion:

Sudafed (sudafedrine hydrochloride) is considered safe in pregnancy.



Cough:

Robitussin DM



Sore Throat:

Sucrets, Cepacol, or Chloraseptic lozenges are safe to use.



Allergies:

Antihistamines such as Chlor-Trimeton are safe. Claritin is now over-the-counter; it is non-drowsy and safe in pregnancy.



Heart burn:

Tums is safe and is also a good source of calcium. If Tums is not effective, Zantac, Pepcid AC, or Tagamet are all safe in pregnancy. Peptol Bismal should not be used in pregnancy



Diarrhea:

Imodium is safe in pregnancy

Constipation:

Stool softeners are safe to take during pregnancy. Some examples include Colace, Citrucil, Metamucil, and Fibercon

Cold and flu symptoms:

Most cold and flu products contain several different drugs. Read the label and refer to the list above to see if it is safe to use. Do NOT use if even one of the contents in a medication is not recommended for pregnancy.



Diet aids:

Do NOT use any diet or weight loss aids in pregnancy.



Herbal remedies and dietary supplements:

Because these products are not under the jurisdiction of the FDA, the safety of these products is not known. The use of these products is NOT recommended during pregnancy.


Dr Michael S. Green, MD FACOG