Is it safe or harmful to take cold pills during pregnancy?
Are you asking if taking cold pills during pregnancy is safe or harmful? it depends. Some ingredients in cold medicines have been studied and are generally considered safe for pregnant women. Others have not been adequately studied or are associated with pregnancy complications and are best avoided.
Is it safe to take cold pills during pregnancy?
In general, doctors recommend that you avoid arbitrarily taking any type of medicine during pregnancy. However, some cold medicines have lower risks that can be ignored in the short-term use period. Regarding the use of cold pills during pregnancy, it should be taken with the doctor’s prescription.
The adult cold pill is made from a combination of acetaminophen, phenylephrine (a sympathomimetic vasoconstrictor) and chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine).
Acetaminophen, which is one of the main components of this pill, has effective substances in reducing body pain and fever. Its short-term use is not dangerous.
It is not prohibited to take cold pills in pregnancy that contain antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Claritin. However, if you catch a cold in the first month of pregnancy, it is better to substitute another medicine. Of course, in some sources, the use of antihistamines is considered one of the causes of reducing the intelligence of the fetus.
Cold medicines allowed in pregnancy
When it comes to taking cold pills during pregnancy, the following drugs have been most often studied or used in pregnant women and are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy:
1. Acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever. It is best to take the minimum effective dose only as long as you need it and never exceed the maximum recommended daily dose. In this way, taking cold pills during pregnancy is considered safe.
2. Antihistamine to relieve nasal congestion. Prescription antihistamines that are safe for pregnant women include:
Chlorpheniramine
Loratadine
Cetirizine
Dexchlorpheniramine
Doxylamine
3. Diphenhydramine (this common drug may cause uterine contractions, so in the third trimester it should be used only under the supervision of a doctor)
4. The cough suppressant dextromethorphan is often found in over-the-counter cold medicines such as Robitussin and is considered safe for pregnant women.
5. Cough drops with benzocaine or menthol are usually approved for use during pregnancy. Benzocaine does not enter the bloodstream, so it is unlikely to pose a risk to a developing baby. Menthol is unlikely to cause problems during pregnancy, as long as it is taken as recommended.
6. Corticosteroid decongestant nasal sprays are generally considered safe for short-term use. Nasal strips, saline nasal sprays, and neti pots are the safest options for use during pregnancy because they do not contain any medications.
7. Chest decongestant rubs with camphor oil (such as Vicks) are generally considered safe when applied topically as directed, although it is not an effective decongestant. However, the ingredients in a chest rub can make you feel like you’re breathing easier.
Harmful drugs during pregnancy
Your doctor or midwife may advise you to avoid the following medicines during pregnancy – or may advise against taking them during a particular trimester. Because these drugs can lead to birth defects or pregnancy complications:
1. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine decongestants are usually not recommended during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. After the first trimester, occasional use of these medications (eg, once or twice a day for more than a day or two) may be safe. But frequent use can be harmful, as these drugs constrict blood vessels. This can reduce blood flow to the placenta and raise your blood pressure. So consult your doctor, especially if you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
2. The expectorant guaifenesin (Mucinex) thins mucus secretions in the respiratory tract and makes them easier to cough up. While one study found an increased risk of inguinal hernias in babies exposed to the drug, most studies do not show that guaifenesin increases the risk of birth defects. It is recommended to avoid it in the first trimester.
3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and sodium salicylate, are generally not considered safe for pain relief during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using NSAIDs after 20 weeks because they can cause rare but serious kidney problems in the unborn baby and decrease the mother’s amniotic fluid levels.
The method of treatment without taking cold pills in pregnancy
If you don’t plan on taking cold pills during pregnancy, there are things you can do to treat your symptoms and feel more comfortable while your body fights off the virus:
Rest gives your body more energy to fight infection.
Drink plenty of fluids – this will help you feel better and is important for your milk supply when breastfeeding.
Avoid dehydration, which can be dangerous in pregnancy – warm drinks with lemon and honey can be especially soothing.
Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
Use saline nasal sprays (salt water) to clear nasal mucus and sinuses.
Inhale the steam (using a bowl of warm water or a warm shower) to help clear your nose and sinuses.
last word
We hope that this article from with a complete description of safe and harmful treatment methods during pregnancy has been useful for you. Don’t forget that a cold does not harm the fetus by itself, and you can easily deal with it by resting, drinking fluids, and strengthening your body.
