Generally, we try to reduce exposure to medications in pregnancy. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Many medications (including herbal remedies) have not had safety studies in pregnancy and will advise you to “ask your doctor”. When no studies have been done, it is usually best to avoid these medications during your pregnancy.
Over-The-Counter Medications that are considered Low Risk in Pregnancy
All medications have risks, but these are considered lower risk if you need them.
Nausea
Ginger
Gravol
Ask your physician about Diclectin.
Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Anemia (Low Iron causing Low Hemoglobin causing Fatigue)
Iron Supplement Chart (Ontario Midwives)
Heartburn, Gas and Bloating, Upset Stomach
Antacids for heartburn (Maalox, Rolaids, Tums) Simethicone for gas pains (Gas-X, Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylicon)
Cough or Cold
Guaifenesin, an expectorant (Mucinex, Naldecon Senior EX, Robitussin)
Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant (Benylin Adult, Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough, Vicks 44 Cough Relief)
Guaifenesin plus dextromethorphan (Benylin Expectorant, Robitussin DM, Vicks 44E)
Cough drops, Vicks VapoRub
Not safe to take:
Cold remedies that contain alcohol
The decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, which can affect blood flow to the placenta.
Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
Pain relief, headache, and fever
Acetaminophen (Anacin Aspirin-Free, Tylenol)
Ibuprofen is not recommended.
Allergy relief
Loratadine, an antihistamine (Claritin)
Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine (Benadryl)
Constipation, hemorrhoids, and diarrhea
Psyllium (Konsyl-D, Metamucil, Modane Bulk, Perdiem)
Polycarbophil (Equalactin, Fiber-Lax, FiberNorm, Konsyl-Fiber, Mitrolan)
Methylcellulose (Citrucel, Unifiber)
Other laxatives and stool softeners (Colace, Dulcolax, Maltsupex, milk of magnesia)
Hemorrhoid creams (Anusol, Preparation H, Tucks)
Loperamide, anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium, Kaopectate II, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal, Pepto Diarrhea Control)
Insomnia
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Maximum Strength Unisom SleepGels, Nytol, Sominex)
Itching
Over-the-counter Hydrocortisone (Cortaid, Lanacort)
Cuts and scrapes
Polysporin
Water and Cleaning
Credit
This information is adapted from BabyCenter.com and based on information from:
Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Web site. www.otispregnancy.com, the US sister site to the Canadian site, Motherisk.org.
Please refer to MotheRisk and OTIS for information on drug safety in pregnancy.