Tips To Consider Before Taking An Otc Drug
- Try nondrug measures. For complaints commonly handled by OTC products, nondrug measures can help alleviate symptoms without the risk. For example, stress busters such as massage, meditation, relaxation exercises, or even a walk around the block, can help with tension headaches. And rest, fluids, and chicken soup are a much safer way for pregnant women to deal with symptoms of a cold than antihistamines and decongestants.
- Consult your healthcare provider. Don’t take anything without first discussing it with your practitioner. There are trade-offs with OTC products, Mitchell said. You have to balance your need to take something with any possible risks.
- Avoid combination products. Multi-symptom cold and allergy medications typically contain ingredients from the off-limits list. For example, while Tylenol pain reliever is relatively safe for occasional use during pregnancy, Tylenol Sinus Congestion and Pain and Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom liquid contain the decongestant phenylephrine, which is not.
- Read labels.Ingredients such as alcohol and caffeine turn up in surprising places. For example, Vicks Nyquil Cold & Flu Liquid contains alcohol. And CVS Aspirin-Free Tension Headache, is indeed, free of aspirin, but still contains caffeine.
What Is Robitussin Plain
Robitussin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth. Robitussin is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies. It may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How To Tell If You’re Pregnant Or Have The Flu
When the symptoms above are caused by pregnancy rather than by the flu, they usually resolve by the end of the first trimester.
Symptoms of the flu not typically associated with early pregnancy may include sore throat, cough, and a weakened sense of taste and smell.
Early pregnancy symptoms not typically associated with the flu include frequent urination, constipation, heightened sense of smell and taste, heartburn, and breast soreness and/or swelling.
However, as Dr. Minkin says, If you do feel persistently flu-like symptoms, especially if you have a fever, check in with your OB/GYN, because the real flu can be serious during pregnancy.
You can take Vitamin C to boost your immune system during flu season to help.
The CDC recommends all pregnant women receive the flu shot/vaccine at any time during pregnancy to avoid complications the virus may cause.
Important note: Given how little we know about COVID-19 at this point, please be sure to consult with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.
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Is Acetaminophen/paracetamol Safe To Take While Pregnant
Acetaminophen is undoubtedly one of the most commonly used over-the-counter drugs available. Its also known as paracetamol, and the medication can be used to treat a variety of mild to moderate forms of pain. For example, acetaminophen and paracetamol are often used to treat aches and pains from illnesses like the cold or flu, headaches, osteoarthritis and tooth pain. Acetaminophen and paracetamol can also be used as a fever-reducer. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, and its also included in different cold and flu combination medications sold over-the-counter. Acetaminophen is sometimes combined with stronger, narcotic pain relievers such as an opioid in prescription drugs. Since acetaminophen is used so often, most people view it as inherently safe, and for the most part, thats true. However, what about during pregnancy? Can you take Tylenol while pregnant? The information regarding the use of Tylenol while pregnant varies somewhat.
What Decongestants Are Safe To Take While Pregnant
Many health care providers recommend using medication that is considered a Category B drug, such as the decongestant Sudafed® or the antihistamine Claritin® when allergies strike. Category B drugs have been shown through animal testing to not harm an unborn baby when the mother takes the medication during pregnancy.
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Is Ethylparaben Safe For Pregnancy
safeHome remedies for strep throat during pregnancy
Skin Rashes Cuts Scrapes
Rashes and itchy skin can be treated with OTC hydrocortisone cream during pregnancy. But mention these symptoms to your doctor to rule out conditions like pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy . You doctor may prescribe steroidal creams for certain conditions.
For cuts and scrapes, clean the area well with soap and water. You may then apply an OTC antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin, for added protection.
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More Medication Safety To Consider During Pregnancy
The following is common problems during pregnancy as well as what medications you can take for them and which ones to avoid.
- Allergies. When treating allergy symptoms such as congestion, antihistamines like loratidine and diphenhydramine are safe. Avoid pseudoephedrine as it can lead to birth defects. Decongestantsmay affect the flow of blood to the placenta and should be avoided.
- Coughing. The most common ingredients in cough medications, dextromethorphan and guaifenesin both seem safe during pregnancy despite little testing.
- Aches and pains. It is safe to treat aches and pains with acetaminophen but you should avoid NSAIDS such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These have been linked to congenital heart defects if taken in the first trimester as well as heart abnormalities or low levels of amniotic fluids if taken in the third trimester.
- Heartburn. Most medications for heartburn also seem safe to take during pregnancy including antacids and famotidine. If you are unsure about any medicine, always talk to your doctor before taking it.
- Constipation. Stool softeners such as Colaceappear as well as Metamucil should also be fine during pregnancy. Avoid rectal suppositories, mineral oils, and laxatives as they may stimulate labor.
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Is Tylenol Cold And Flu Safe During Pregnancy
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Acetaminophen Cold And Flu
There is a variety of medicine for cough and cold and stomach flu medicine, but when it comes to getting effective flu symptom relief, Tylenol Flu may be a good choice for your cold and flu-related pain. This over-the-counter medication can help temporarily relieve minor aches and pains, sore throat, fever, congestion, and cough. Check the dosage of the formula you choose to confirm the amount of acetaminophen it contains. This pain-relieving medication can reduce fever and make you feel better faster. The Tylenol Cold + Flu medication also contains ingredients that can help suppress cough, reduce nasal congestion, and help make your coughs more productive.
Classification Of Tylenol Cold
Each ingredient in Tylenol Cold has its own category. Acetaminophen is Category B. Many women take it during pregnancy with no adverse affects. Dextromethorphan HBr is Category C, along with the other two ingredients in Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Severe, phenylephrine HCl and guaifenesin. When considering the safety of a drug with multiple active ingredients, the category of each one must be considered. Since three out of four active ingredients in the Severe medication and two out of three in the Daytime formula are Category C, the medication is not safe for pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk.
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Pain Or Headache Relief
Acetaminophen is the drug of choice for pain during pregnancy. Its widely used with very few documented adverse effects.
Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , on the other hand, should be avoided during pregnancy.
NSAIDs include:
- ketoprofen
- naproxen
If your pain is particularly severe after a surgery, for example your doctor may prescribe a short course of opioid pain relievers. When taken as directed, they may not affect fetal development.
That said, opioid use during pregnancy does carry the risk of withdrawal, called neonatal abstinence syndrome , after delivery.
Medicines That Are Safe For Pregnant Women To Take When Sick
- Obstetrics
- Medicines That Are Safe for Pregnant Women to Take When Sick
When you are pregnant, your immune system doesnt operate at maximum capacity, which is actually a good thing because it keeps your growing baby protected, and stops your body from thinking the fetus is an intruder. However, this comes with the downside that your body cant ward off the viruses that cause the common cold quite as effectively. This can leave you vulnerable to the symptoms that come along, including a congested nose, cough, and sore throat.
As we move into cold and flu season, you may find yourself coming down with a cold, and while you can rest assured that your baby isnt experiencing any of them, you want to get rid of the symptoms quickly and safely. While colds are mostly an uncomfortable annoyance best managed by a little extra rest, fluids, and patience, you may find yourself seeking out cold medications to alleviate your symptoms. We recommend making a so they can steer you in the right direction in terms of cold medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. Here are our own recommendations on what to do if you get sick while pregnant.
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What Medications Are Safe To Take During Pregnancy
Prenatal vitamins are safe and important to take when youre pregnant. Ask your health care provider about the safety of taking other vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements. Most herbal preparations and supplements have not been proven to be safe during pregnancy.
Generally, you should not take any OTC medication while pregnant unless it is necessary.
The following medications and home remedies have no known harmful effects during pregnancy when taken according to the package directions. Contact your doctor for additional information on their safety or for medications not listed here.
Safe Medications to Take During Pregnancy*
- Saline nasal drops or spray
- Warm salt/water gargle
*Note: No drug can be considered 100% safe to use during pregnancy.
A Special Consideration: Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a contagious infection that is characterized by excessive, violent coughing followed by an intake of breath that makes a whooping sound. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending that all pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine during each of their pregnancies, preferably between the 27th-36th weeks of pregnancy.This will ensure that protection against whooping cough is passed down to your baby for the first couple of months after birth. Since your child will not receive their first whooping cough vaccine until they are 2 months old, getting this vaccine while you are pregnant will ensure your infant is protected until then. Learn more about taking vaccinations during your pregnancy.
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Safe Medications During Pregnancy
Cold and flu season hits hard during the winter, and it puts our immune systems to work. For expecting mothers, whose immune systems are already compromised, its extra important to treat cold and flu symptoms cautiously when they appear.
Many over the counter medications can be safe, but make sure to read and understand all the ingredients, says Carol Rodriguez, MD, OBGYN at Rochester Regional Health. Generally, expecting mothers should try to minimize the amount of medication they take during pregnancy, but some medications are safe to take if youre fighting a cold or the flu.
The following list includes cold and flu symptom medications that are considered safe for consumption during pregnancy when following the package directions, as well as safe medications for heartburn, nausea, constipation, and other common pregnancy ailments.
*Always take the lowest dose that controls your symptoms. If you get no relief or have additional concerns, please call your physician.
**Avoid any unnecessary medications during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The safest medications during the first trimester include Acetaminophen , saline nasal spray, Vicks, and throat lozenges.
Headache Body Aches Cramping And Back Pain
We often get achy all over when we have the flu, but headaches, body aches, cramping, and pain are also all considered normal during early pregnancy.
These symptoms are related to an increase in blood volume, but if the headaches become too intense or too regular, it’s something you should discuss with your doctor, just to be safe.
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Cold And Flu During Pregnancy
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Acetaminophen / Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin / Phenylephrine Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Warnings
Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine is also known as: Adult Cold, Flu & Sore Throat, Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cough, Mucus & Congestion Liquid Gels, Cough & Cold Relief, CounterAct Day, , Delsym Cough+ Cold Day Time, Mucinex Children’s Cold, Cough & Sore Throat, Mucinex Children’s FreeFrom Multi-Symptom Cold, Flu & Sore Throat, Mucinex Children’s Multi-Symptom Cold & Fever, Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat, Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid Gels, Mucinex Fast-Max Day Time Severe Cold, Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Cold, Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cold, Mucinex Sinus-Max Pressure, Pain & Cough, Non-Pseudo Cold Relief, Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold + Flu, Rompe Pecho MAX, Sudafed PE Cold & Cough, Sudafed PE Head Congestion + Flu Severe, Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe, Tylenol Cold + Mucus Severe, Tylenol Cold Head Congestion Severe , Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Severe, Vicks DayQuil Severe Cold & Flu
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 29, 2021.
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What Can Take For A Cold While Breastfeeding
Simple diphenhydramine and guaifenesin are fine, says Ross. And you can take ibuprofen and aspirin while breastfeeding, which were a no-no for pregnant women.
Keeping this in consideration, what is safe to take for a cold while breastfeeding?
Over-the-counter drugs containing dextromethorphan, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are safe to take while breastfeeding. Pseudoephedrine is likely safe while breastfeeding, but may cause a decrease in late-stage milk production so should be taken with caution in mothers struggling to produce milk.
Similarly, what cold and flu tablets can I take when breastfeeding? Single ingredient products are usually preferred for short term use at the recommended doses. If you are feeling very unwell because of a cold, the flu or sinus problems, you should contact your doctor. For a dry cough, a cough suppressant such as pholcodine or dextromethorphan is considered safe while breastfeeding.
Correspondingly, can you take cold medication while breastfeeding?
But there’s good news: Many of the cold and flu medications that were off-limits during pregnancy are fine to take while breastfeeding. Here’s the lowdown on what’s safebut always speak to your doctor before taking any new medications or natural remedies.
Can a baby catch a cold from breastfeeding?
Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
-
chest pain, fast, slow, or uneven heart rate
-
severe dizziness, feeling like you might pass out
-
mood changes, confusion, hallucinations
-
fever
-
urinating less than usual or not at all
-
nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice or
-
dangerously high blood pressure .
Common side effects may include:
-
dizziness, weakness
-
dry mouth, nose, or throat
-
feeling nervous, restless, irritable, or anxious or
-
sleep problems .
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Women May Experience Flu
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There is a fair amount of overlap between early pregnancy symptoms and flu symptoms.
Pregnancy is a time of altered immune status, so being pregnant may increase your risk of acquiring infectious diseases such as the flu.
If you are pregnant and feel flu-like, be sure to get checked for infection. Anything anyone can catch can affect a pregnant woman. You could have the flu, a cold, mono, hepatitis, or other infection, warns Felice Gersh, MD, author of “PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist’s Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones and Happiness.”
Why do pregnant women experience so many flu-like symptoms? It’s because the body is stressed.
What Can You Do To Feel Better If You Get A Cold During Pregnancy
Although many of the medications that relieve cold symptoms are typically off-limits during pregnancy, you dont have to suffer with a runny nose and hacking cough when youre pregnant. Some of the most effective cold remedies dont come from the pharmacy shelf. Heres how to feel better faster:
What to Expect selects products based on independent research and suggestions from our community of millions of parents learn more about our review process. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
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