Over the counter drugs to treat common problems in pregnancy
Pain relief and Headache
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the best option
- Do not take more than 1,000 mg at one time
- Do not take more than 4,000 mg in one day
NOT RECOMMENDED: Naproxen (Aleve), Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), especially avoid during 1st and 3rd trimesters!!
Cough, Colds and Sinus Congestion
- Cough drops
- Vicks VaproRub
- Saline nasal spray (Afrin, Ocean Ayr)
- Gauifenesin, an expectorant (Mucinex, Robitussin, Hytuss)
- Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant (Robitussin Maximun Strength Cough, Vicks 44 Cough Relief)
NOT RECOMMENDED: Cough remedies that contain alcohol, decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine
Fever
- It is very important to treat a fever in a pregnant woman
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the best choice to treat a fever in pregnancy
NOT RECOMMENDED: Naproxen (Aleve), Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), especially avoid during 1st and 3rd trimesters!!
Allergies
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
- Laratadine (Claritin, Alavert, Tavist ND)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Cetirrizine (Zyrtec)
Gas Pains
- Simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylicon)
Heartburn
- Fast acting antiacids (Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids)
- Longer lasting antiacids: Famotodine (Zantac) and Omeprazole (Prilosce)
Nausea/Vomiting
- Doxylamine (Unisom) and Vitamin B6 200 mg/day
Constipation
- Docusate sodium ( Colace) stool softener
- Laxatives (Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax Milk of Magnesia)
- Fiber (Metamucil, Citrucel, Fiber-Lax)
Hemorrhoids
- Anusol, Preparation H, Tucks
Diarrhea
- Loperamide (Imodium, Kaopectate II, Pepto Diarrhea Control
NOT RECOMMENDED: PeptoBismol
Vaginal Yeast Infections
- Miconazole (Monistat 3)
- Tioconazole (Monistat 1)
- Clotrimazole (GyneLotrimin 3, Mycelex 7)
- Butoconazole (Mycelex 3, Femstat 3)
Other Fungal Infections
- Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
NOT RECOMMENDED: Certain products not listed here, certain Cruex, Desenex and Fungi Cure products should not be used during pregnancy. Check labels carefully.
Insomnia
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Unisom SleepGels, Sominex)
- Doxylamine (Unisom Nighttime Sleep Aid)
Itching
- Hydrocortisone (Cortaid, Lanacort)
Cuts/Scrapes
- Bacitracin and Polymixin B (Polysporin)
REMEMBER:
- These medications have not been shown to cause direct harm to the fetus when taken infrequently for a short period of time.
- It is best to avoid most medications during pregnancy if possibe
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You and your healthcare provider can determine if the benefits outweigh the risks
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