Cold Medications For Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Selecting a cold medication while pregnant or breastfeeding that is going to be safe for both you and your baby can be stressful and overwhelming.
Here you’ll find answers to your questions and information about common ingredients found in cold medicines that are considered safe for you and your baby.
Cocaine And Heroin During Pregnancy
Similar to cannabis, cocaine can also cross the placenta and enter the babys circulation system. A study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who used cocaine while they are pregnant are 33 percent more likely to have smaller, premature babies than women who did not use cocaine during pregnancy. Babies born to cocaine-using mothers are in weight, size and head circumference.
They are also born with underdeveloped brains, and they have weak immune systems. Such babies are also at risk for long-term health problems, and they might struggle with slower learning and lower IQs as they get older. There is also the danger of those babies having higher rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, and early death.
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Taking Medications While Pregnant And Professional Treatment
Taking any substance while pregnant and doing so outside of package directions or against doctor advice is dangerous.
Abusing pseudoephedrine by itself or taking it with other substances like alcohol requires professional addiction treatment, for the safety of you and your baby.
Substance abuse treatment can provide a multilevel solution to drug misuse and addiction. This is especially the case with substances such as alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, prescription, and OTC drugs like pseudoephedrine.
A comprehensive treatment program includes medical detoxification, where the substance is removed from your body, and counseling and therapy via a residential treatment or outpatient program.
Finally, after treatment is completed, we can connect you to a recovery community and resources that can support you via through an alumni program.
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Safe Heartburn Gas And Stomach Remedies
Heartburn and gas frequently occur during pregnancy, and you may experience painful constipation or uncomfortable diarrhea. Here are some safe options to get relief.
You should also avoid any foods or drinks you think may be contributing to excess gas and increased heartburn episodes. And be sure to learn the important known foods to avoid during pregnancy, too!
Safe heartburn and gas medications:
- Milk of Magnesia, Correctal, Fleets enema and Miralax
For diarrhea:
- Imodium liquid or capsules
Acetaminophen And Behavioral Disorders
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association said that the study found only associations between Tylenol consumption and behavioral problems and has many limitations, but there is widespread research that casts doubt on the once-ubiquitous use of the painkiller by pregnant women. The same study that reached the conclusion that children born to mothers who had consumed acetaminophen during their pregnancies had a 1.4 increased chance of developing hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms also found that boys were more likely to develop autistic symptoms if their mothers took acetaminophen during pregnancy. Researchers also found a higher risk of behavioral problems in children whose mothers used more acetaminophen.
Another study, this one published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, showed a link between acetaminophen consumption during pregnancy and childhood asthma. The study of more than 53,000 children did not examine the amount of acetaminophen taken, but researchers found that all instances of surveyed mothers taking Tylenol for colds, flu, fever, and general pain and discomfort during their pregnancies led to a modest association of asthmatic symptoms developing in their children. The researchers behind the study noted that untreated pain was also connected with a higher chance of children getting asthma as they grew older.
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How To Cope With Side Effects
What to do about:
- feeling or being sick â try taking pseudoephedrine with or after a meal or snack. It may also help if you do not eat rich or spicy food. If you have been sick, drink plenty of water by having frequent sips to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee.
- headaches â make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask a pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. If your headache does not go away, stop taking pseudoephedrine or see your doctor. It may be because pseudoephedrine can increase your blood pressure.
- dry mouth â chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.
- feeling restless, nervous or shaky â stop taking pseudoephedrine and talk to a doctor if symptoms do not go away. Ask a pharmacist about trying a different medicine.
- difficulty sleeping â try not to have a big meal in the evening and avoid drinking alcohol, tea or coffee. Try not to watch television or use your mobile phone before going to bed. Try to relax for an hour before bedtime.
Urgent Advice: Call 111 For Advice Now If:
- you take too much pseudoephedrine
Taking too much pseudoephedrine can be dangerous.
It can make you restless or your heartbeat fast, and make you feel sick or vomit. You may also have difficulty peeing.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
If you need to go to A& E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the pseudoephedrine packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.
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What Cold Medicines Are Not Safe During Pregnancy
There are a few medications that are generally not safe to take if you’re pregnant. Before starting any new medications, always check with your healthcare provider first.
Intranasal corticosteroids
Avoid triamcinolone . Studies suggest that this nasal spray is linked to birth defects. These defects were specifically in the nasal passages.
Oral decongestants
Some studies show a higher risk of birth defects with oral pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine during pregnancy. But a study of over 4,000 pregnant women taking oral decongestants, found no greater risk. Overall, the safety of phenylephrine during pregnancy is not certain. And ACOG recommends avoiding pseudoephedrine in the first trimester. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need a decongestant at any time during pregnancy.
Oxymetazoline
Intranasal decongestants deliver medication only where its needed: the nose. There isnt much research on this nasal spray in pregnancy. One study showed that there might be a link between Afrin and birth defects. Always check with your healthcare provider before using Afrin or any decongestant. Afrin shouldn’t be used for more than three consecutive days. Using the spray longer can cause a stuffy nose to get worse .
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Syrups containing ethanol
Syrups containing natural sugars
Combination products
The Dangers Of Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine has stimulant effects. Recreational users report that it produces excitable, hyperactive feelings. Because it is a stimulant, it increases the heart rate and blood pressure. However, pseudoephedrine carries a low risk of dependence, and users are unlikely to experience withdrawal symptoms when they cease use.
That does not mean pseudoephedrine does not come without uncomfortable side effects. They can incluvde:
- Difficulty sleeping
It should be noted that food and drinks that contain large amounts of caffeine can make these side effects worse.
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Safe Yeast Infection Remedies During Pregnancy
The American Pregnancy Association recommends vaginal creams and suppositories but warns that not all are safe during pregnancy. So, consult your doctor. Most likely, your doctor will recommend:
It may feel like navigating a minefield to understand which medications are safe to take during pregnancy, but the efforts become worth it when you meet your healthy baby for the first time. Be careful and consciousness with over-the-counter medications during pregnancy, and ask your doctor if you have any questions. And remember to get your flu shot from your AWH Dallas practitioner.
Is Sudafed 12 Hour Safe During Pregnancy
The fetus may be harmed in the first few weeks of life. If approved by your healthcare provider, you can use Sudafed 12 Hour with caution in the second and third trimesters. Do not use Sudafed 12 Hour during pregnancy unless your doctor has determined that it is safe for you to do so.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your health care provider about the benefits and risks of using this medication during your pregnancy. You may also want to discuss the use of other birth control methods, such as condoms or spermicide, with your provider before you start taking the medication. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
This medication should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor. Sedation or drowsiness may occur in some people who take this or any other medication, especially if you take it for a long period of time.
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What Is Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine has been in existence since the 1920s. While it occurs naturally in plants, the majority of pseudoephedrine that is produced comes from yeast fermentation of dextrose in the presence of benzaldehyde, according to the Pharmacy Times.
Pseudoephedrine is comprised of stimulant compounds and is of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes. This medication can narrow blood vessels to decrease swelling and congestion. It also shrinks swollen nasal mucous membranes, which is why it is employed as a decongestant.
Pseudoephedrine products provide temporary relief for stuffy nose and sinus pain caused by the common cold, flu, hay fever, and bronchitis. Pseudoephedrine comes as itself or in combination with other medications.
- Childrens Sudafed Nasal Decongestant
Mums On Our Forum Say
Some mums on our forums commented that they couldn’t find anything other than Vicks or Olbas oil to help with their blocked noses. But this mum says:
“I suffer terribly from sinusitis and since being pregnant I have been using Sterimar which is a natural sea water nasal spray that is totally safe in pregnancy. I’ve found it makes a huge difference, more than the endless antibiotics and decongestants I was given pre-pregnancy. Also I put a saucepan of boiling water in my room at bedtime, keeps the air moist and helps to stop your nasal passages drying out.”Lou66
Read more:
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The Risks Of Taking Sudafed During Pregnancy
If you have a hypertensive disorder like preeclampsia, you should speak to your doctor before taking Sudafed.
Thats because pseudoephedrine can raise your blood pressure and cause your heartbeat to race.
If you are already struggling with hypertension, Sudafed could make matters worse.
Pseudoephedrine also causes vasoconstriction, which is where your blood vessels narrow, causing your blood flow to slow.
This could get in the way of your babys development and be dangerous for you if you have a heart condition.
There is also some evidence to suggest that pseudoephedrine has a small link to a rare birth difference called gastroschisis.
This is where a babys organs exit their body through a hole in their belly wall next to their belly button.
The research into how big of a link this condition has to taking Sudafed is mixed.
But it may be best to be extra cautious.
The risk is greatest in your first trimester, when your baby is busy forming all of their vital systems.
Thats why the recommendation from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is to wait until your second trimester before taking Sudafed products.
Is It Safe To Take Pseudoephedrine During Pregnancy
Pseudoephedrine is classified as a pregnancy category B drug by the US Food and Drug Administration . It means animal studies showed no risk to the fetus but there are no well-controlled studies on pregnancy women.
- A cover article titled Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy, says that the use of pseudoephedrine during the first trimester may be associated with gastroschisis, a condition where elevated blood pressure causes vasoconstriction in the uterine arteries and affects the blood flow to the fetus. This theory is debatable as some evidence suggests that the effect is negligible at typical doses .
- Studies using pharmaceutical data stated that the use of decongestant in the first trimester is associated with a small increase in the risk of defects such as gastroschisis, small intestinal atresia, and hemifacial microsomia. However, these findings are inconsistent in magnitude, and the results could be influenced by the exposure to vasoconstrictive agents such as cigarette smoking .
Your doctor might prefer to prescribe other safer choices such as chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine . So, always consult your doctor before taking pseudoephedrine during pregnancy.
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Can I Take Cold Medicine While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
There are certain cold medicines that are considered safe to take while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety of using over-the-counter cold medication while pregnant or breastfeeding depends on the specific medicines within the products, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and any other medical conditions you may have. You should only use cold medicines for the shortest time possible to help with your symptoms. Always be sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter cold medicines during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
The American Pregnancy Association recommends limiting the amount of over-the-counter cold medicines you take and trying certain home remedies to alleviate symptoms. They promote washing your hands regularly, drinking plenty of fluids, getting ample amounts of rest, eating well and only using medications to treat the symptoms you are experiencing. As a home remedy for sinus congestion, they recommend using a humidifier, keeping your head elevated on a pillow while resting and/or using adhesive nasal strips. For a sore throat, they recommend sucking on ice chips, drinking warm herbal tea or gargling warm salt water.
From Cold And Cough To Hemorrhoid And Nausea We Break Down Safe Otc Medications To Take While Pregnant
Its the dead of winter and you cant sleep, because youre 7 months pregnant and your baby has decided to be nocturnal. You know you need sleep, because lack of good rest inhibits your immune system. This stresses you out, because your spouse has a nasty cold, and youd rather avoid it.
Your spouse is resting peacefully in the guest room because he has a plethora of over-the-counter medications at his disposal.
But not you. Youre pregnant, and your OTC medicine choices are extremely limited. So, you hope to stay healthy amid the stress and discomfort of pregnancy. Not to mention its cold and flu season.
Then, you realize. Your nose is running. Your sinuses feel clogged. Youre getting sick.
Your first instinct is to want to grab those great medications your spouse is taking. But you know you have to be careful.
In no time, youre miserable with symptoms of the common cold. Youre desperate for relief, but you know the safety of your baby is paramount.
Advanced Womens Healthcare is here to help with a comprehensive list of safe over-the-counter medications to take during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor for the best personalized choices for you.
Pregnant women: Dont forget to get your flu shot at AWH Dallas!
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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.
How To Take Sudafed While Pregnancy Safely
If your doctor gives you the okay to take Sudafed during pregnancy, it can be taken in multiple forms. Typically, its taken either in pill form or as syrup.
Nasal sprays are generally safer for pregnant women, because the amount of drug entering the system is smaller but still effective. But if a doctor recommends taking the tablet form, do not chew or crush the tablet as it may cause too much of the drug to be released into your bloodstream all at once. Just swallow whole with a sip of water.
If the syrup is recommended for you, shake it well and make sure you measure out the accurate dosage so youre not taking too much. Use a spoon or cup meant for measuring medications, not a kitchen spoon.
There are also some medications that have a smaller amount of pseudoephedrine that may be safe for pregnant women to take. No matter what cold or flu medication youre taking, do not take pseudoephedrine for more than a week.
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