Can I Take Cold And Flu Meds While Pregnant
Pregnant women need to be very careful with cold and flu medications because many contain pseudoephedrine: It can affect maternal blood flow, which can have an adverse effect on the baby, says MacQuarrie. Koren recommends treating symptoms topically with medicated nose drops. These have much lower concentrations of the chemicals that constrict the blood vessels in the nose, and thats much safer, he says. Very little of the medication is getting into your system, or the babys. Read the box or ask a pharmacist if youre not sure if a product contains pseudoephedrine.
What Cold Medicine Is Safe For Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
The common cold can cause a variety of symptoms, such as runny nose, fever, headache, body aches, cough, sore throat, and congestion. Many over-the-counter cold medicines combine multiple medications that treat these symptoms into a single tablet or liquid. It’s important to review the active ingredients in these products when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding to ensure they are safe for both you and your child. In most cases, it’s best to avoid combination products and instead use single ingredient products to help relieve the symptoms you are experiencing.
Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
Acetaminophen is considered the preferred medication during all trimesters of pregnancy to treat fever, aches and pains, and is safe to use while breastfeeding.2,3,4 NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil®
How Long Does A Cold During Pregnancy Last
Cold symptoms generally last 10 to 14 days. And yes, sorry to say, you can get a brand new cold just as the last one is ending, so if it feels like you always have the sniffles, you may be right.
However, if your symptoms persist past 10 to 14 days, or seem to be getting progressively worse, let your practitioner know. He or she will want to make sure your never-ending cold isnt evolving into something more serious, like a secondary infection or the flu.
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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.
Where To Find Reliable Information On The Web
An Internet search will turn up lots of websites with advice on safe medications to use during pregnancy. But the advice is inconsistent and recommendations are often based on a lack of data, rather than evidence for safe use according to a study of Web-based information published in 2013.
For up-to-date, reliable information, we recommend www.MotherToBaby.org, the consumer website of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing evidence-based information on medications and exposures to other substances during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. You can also call toll-free at 1-866-626-6847 to talk to an information specialist free of charge.
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Can I Take Cold Medicine During Pregnancy
While there is never really a good time to have a cold or the flu, having one during pregnancy comes with additional difficulties. Unfortunately, getting sick during pregnancy isnt uncommonthe immune system goes through a series of changes during those nine months.
When faced with a seasonal cold or flu while pregnant, you must consider not only your own health but that of your baby’s. While there are certain drugs to avoid, suffering through your symptoms isn’t necessary. Read on for a few tips to consider.
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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Is Ethylparaben Safe For Pregnancy
safeHome remedies for strep throat during pregnancy
Common Medications To Avoid
Knowing what not to take is almost more important than knowing which medications are safe to take during pregnancy. There are a number of medications to avoid while pregnant unless recommended by your doctor. These include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and Advil , Bayer , and Aleve and Naprosyn , higher doses of which can cause premature blood vessel closure in the baby. However, low-dose aspirin is now routinely recommended for other indications.
- Any cold remedy containing alcohol, including Benadryl and NyQuil
- Codeine, a narcotic drug which may cause fetal respiratory depression
- Bactrim , an antibiotic that can interfere with folic acid metabolism while stimulating the production of bilirubin , both of which are not good for the baby. The concern for folic acid metabolism is only in the first trimester, and the concern for jaundice is only after 32 weeks gestation. The medication can otherwise be used without concern, especially when treatment is necessary.
- Pseudoephedrine- and phenylephrine-based decongestants, both of which may cause the constriction of blood vessels, potentially increasing the risk of a specific birth defect in the first trimester and risk of elevated blood pressures if used later in pregnancy.
If your cold or flu is severe and you are experiencing chest pains, are coughing up discolored mucus, or have a fever over 102o F, call your doctor immediately.
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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 theres good news: Many of the cold and flu medications that were off-limits during pregnancy are fine to take while breastfeeding. Heres the lowdown on whats safebut always speak to your doctor before taking any new medications or natural remedies.
Can a baby catch a cold from breastfeeding?
How Should I Take Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. This medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Do not take more of this medication than recommended. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Dissolve one packet of the powder in at least 8 ounces of hot water. Stir and sip drink immediately while the liquid is hot.
Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days of use, you still have pain after 7 days , if your symptoms get worse, or if you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, or any redness or swelling.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.
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Sinus Infection While Pregnant: Medication And Natural Remedies
Sinus pressure, a stuffy nose, and a sore throat? Welcome to a sinus infection during pregnancy. Sinus infections while pregnant at the same time makes being sick even worse.Sinusitis occurs when there is an infection in the lining of one of the four nasal cavities, which can cause inflammation and a nasal obstruction inhibiting the proper drainage of mucus. This can result in symptoms such as a stuffy nose and painful pressure around your cheeks and eyes. Such infections may be caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus, although the cold is the most common contributing factor of sinus infections. Learn more about dealing with a cold during pregnancy.If you have a sinus infection during pregnancy, you may be tempted to take some medication for a quick fix. However, while certain medications are safe to use during pregnancy, other commonly used medications may not be safe to take while pregnant. You may also find that some home remedies may be just as effective in alleviating your symptoms and helping you recover.
Supplement Use During Pregnancy
Discuss any supplements you take or plan to take during your pregnancy with your doctor.
While prenatal vitamins are recommended to support levels of essential vitamins and minerals, like folate, other supplements may pose risks to your baby. They may also interact with medications youre already taking.
Note that just because something is labeled all-natural doesnt always mean its safe. Supplements are by the FDA in the same way as prescription drugs. Approach them with caution and discuss using with your doctor before starting any.
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Medications To Avoid During Pregnancy
Always check with your doctor or OBGYN before taking any medications prescription, over-the-counter, or homeopathic particularly the following.
- Pain relievers and fever reducers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can cause pregnancy complications, particularly if taken during the third trimester.
- Avoid non-steroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline.
- Dont take supplemental vitamins or herbal remedies without medical approval.
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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Which Cold & Flu Medication Is Safe To Take During Pregnancy
You are pregnant and start feeling sick. Before you reach for that bottle of cold or flu medicine, are you certain it is safe for your baby?
When you are pregnant, your baby will be exposed to everything you are exposed to. This means that when you are sick with a cold or flu your baby will not only be exposed to the cold or flu virus, but also any medication you may take.
Typically, with most viruses, you must wait for your immune system to fight the infection. Over-the-counter medications can help soothe your symptoms while you wait.
However, not all over-the-counter medicines are safe to take during pregnancy. Certain medications may hurt the baby or cause problems for you, such as increasing your blood pressure.
Use this quick list of pregnancy-safe natural cold and flu remedies and over-the-counter medications as a starting point. Remember, read the directions on the package for any medication you might take. Its also a good idea to talk with your doctor or midwife before taking a cold or flu medication.
When To See Your Doctor
A sinus infection can resolve itself with home treatment. But there are times when you should see a doctor.
Make an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms dont improve with OTC medications or home remedies, or if your symptoms worsen.
Contact your doctor if you have a fever higher than 101°F , or if you start coughing up green or yellow mucus. Also see your doctor if you have recurrent sinus infections.
Leaving a severe sinus infection untreated increases the risk of complications, such as meningitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes in the brain or spinal cord.
An untreated infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, eyes, and skin. It can also affect your sense of smell.
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What Other Drugs Will Affect Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
How To Tell If Youre 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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Can You Take Antibiotics During Pregnancy
Antibiotics can be a literal lifesaver when theyâre used to treat a bacterial infection. If your doctor prescribes you an antibiotic during pregnancy, itâs generally because the infection itâs treating is more dangerous than any potential side effects of taking the drug. If your doctor prescribes you an antibiotic, it will generally be in the penicillin or erythromycin family.
That said, antibiotics can also be overused when theyâre not necessary, leading to antibiotic-resistant infections. A few things to remember:
Some research suggests that certain antibiotics may be linked to a higher risk of miscarriage and birth defects. This risk, however, is very low, and the illnesses the pregnant moms were being treated for could have been the cause for the miscarriages rather than the drugs themselves.
Remember that while itâs not wise to take antibiotics when theyâre not warranted , they can be essential even lifesaving for your health and your babyâs. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics and youâre concerned, ask about the potential risks and benefits.
Is Tylenol Safe For Pregnancy
Tylenol is a name brand for acetaminophen, an analgesic drug. Doctors generally agree that Tylenol is safe for pregnancy to treat mild fevers and discomforts in the short termas long as you follow the dosage instructions found on the bottle. Pregnant women have been taking Tylenol for years without adverse outcomes or fetal defects, according to Daniel Roshan, MD, director at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine. While there may not be a lot of research concretely proving that Tylenol during pregnancy is safe, the lack of data for adverse effects leads experts to largely believe it is.
However, too much acetaminophen can be hard on both your and babys liver, research shows. Recent studies have linked prenatal acetaminophen exposure to higher risks of ADHD and autism in childhood. Its important to know that this research shows correlation, not causationin other words, there may be other factors that contribute to the link researchers found.
Also, these studies tend to explore long-term use, not an occasional pill for a pounding headache. Im aware of studies linking long-term use of Tylenol during pregnancy with an increased risk of autism, says Gaither. But this is, again, causal relationship, not definitive given the many variables that existed within the study.
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