In general we recommend avoiding all medications during pregnancy unless truly necessary. Below is a list of medications which are generally considered safe to take while pregnant. Please inform your physician of any medications you are taking or have taken during your pregnancy.
Problem |
Safe to take |
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Indigestion, heartburn, gas, upset stomach |
Antacids for heartburn (Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Maalox)
Pepcid and Zantac may be used after the first trimester
Simethicone for gas pains (Gas-X, Mylicon, Phazyme) |
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Cough or cold |
Guaifenesin plus dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, Benylin Expectorant, Vicks Cough Syrup)
Cough drops
Vicks VapoRub
Note that some cold remedies contain alcohol, so you may want to use them sparingly if at all. Try to avoid products that contain the decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, which can affect blood flow to the placenta. |
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Pain relief, headache, or fever |
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Anacin-3) |
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Allergy relief |
Chlorpheniramine antihistamine alone (Chlor-Trimeton allergy tablets)
Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec
Be careful not to use decongestant sprays more often than is recommended on the packaging, as they can damage nasal passages if used too frequently. |
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Constipation, hemorrhoids, and diarrhea |
Bulking products can be used regularly (Metamucil, Citrucel)
Laxatives and stool softeners (Colace, Dulcolax, milk of magnesia)
Hemorrhoid creams (Tucks, Preparation H, or Anusol)
Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium) |
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Yeast infections and other fungal infections such as athlete's foot |
Miconazole (Monistat 3)
Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin 3, Mycelex 7, Cruex, Lotrimin AF, Desenex)
Tioconazole (Monistat 1, Vagistat 1)
Nystatin (Bio-Statin, Mycostatin, Nilstat)
Butoconazole (Gynazole 1, Femstat 3, Mycelex 3)
Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) |
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Insomnia |
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Nytol, Sominex-2)
Doxylamine succinate (Unisom Nighttime Sleep-Aid) |
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First-aid preparations |
Polysporin, Cortaid, Lanacort, Neosporin |
This list has been taken from www.babycenter.com. It was reviewed by BabyCenter Medical Advisor Gerald Briggs, BPharm, February 2005.
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