October 2020 Moms
fitzfizz
member
Cold Medications in Pregnancy
fitzfizz
member
Disclaimer: I'm taking a page out of Emily Oster's book and providing information so you can draw your own conclusions. This is a summary of available information with my personal opinions. If you have any questions, obviously talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider.
With this being cold and flu season, some people may have questions about what is safe to take over the counter. I have also included information about what pregnancy categories mean, so if you have questions about any medication you can look up the pregnancy category.
With any medication especially in the first trimester, it should only be used if really needed. Many over the counter medications for colds contain multiple medications. Always read the drug facts and make sure all medications in the product are safe.
Category A- Has been studied and generally considered safe to take.
Category B- Some studies but no controlled trials in pregnant women, no known harm, generally considered OK to take if needed.
Category C- No good data to say it is safe, but no data showing significant harm. Drugs should only be taken if the benefit of the drug is significant and outweighs potential risk.
Category D- Known potential risks, only used if there are no alternatives and the drug is really needed.
Category X- Known significant harm, do not use under any circumstances.
Category A or B: Generally considered safe.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)- Category B, sometimes classified as category A. Pain and fever reducer.
Chlorpheniramine (ChlorTabs)- Category B in all trimesters. Antihistamine. Decreases mucus production, sedating.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)- Category B in all trimesters. Antihistamine. Decreases mucus production, sedating.
Loratidine (Claritin)- Category B in all trimesters. Antihistamine. Decreases mucus productions and sneezing, less sedating than other antihistamines.
Nasal saline sprays or nasal saline irrigation (Neilmed or Neti-pot) are considered safe as long as you use boiled or bottled water.
Topical menthol rubs (Vicks) are considered safe when used in usual amounts.
Most cough drops are considered safe.
Humidifiers are safe and generally recommended.
Nasal saline sprays or nasal saline irrigation (Neilmed or Neti-pot) are considered safe as long as you use boiled or bottled water.
Topical menthol rubs (Vicks) are considered safe when used in usual amounts.
Most cough drops are considered safe.
Humidifiers are safe and generally recommended.
More questionable medications:
Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve)- Category B in 1st and 2nd trimester, Category D in 3rd trimester. Most doctors recommend avoiding this in pregnancy.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)- Nasal decongestant. Sometimes classified as category B, but also sometimes as category C. Some studies suggest an association with a birth defect called gastroschisis. Per ACOG, this is the preferred nasal decongestant in pregnancy if needed.
Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)- Nasal degongestant. Category C.
Guaifenesin (Robitussin or Mucinex)- Category C. Expectorant, thins mucus. Possibly unsafe in first trimester.
Dextromethorphan (Delsym, "DM")- Category C. Cough supressant. Although category C, this is generally considered OK if needed.
Budesonide nasal (Rhinocort)- Category C, but generally considered safe. Preferred nasal steroid in pregnancy. Decreases nasal congestion from all causes including allergies and colds. Preferred nasal steroid in pregnancy.
Fluticasone nasal (Flonase)- Category C, but generally considered safe. Decreases nasal congestion from all causes including allergies and colds.
Generally recommended not to take:
Aspirin- Category D in full dose.
Triamcinolone nasal (Nasacort AQ)- Category C, but may be reclassified as D. Possible association with airway defects. Choose a different nasal steroid.
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