Safe Medicines During Pregnancy
Your doctor will review any medications you are currently taking to decide what is safe to continue taking during pregnancy. Some medications and herbal supplements can increase your chance of birth defects, and your doctor will review any medication you may need to stop taking if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen, allergy medicine, and cold medicines are generally safe to take, while aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided.
Approved Over-the-Counter Medications
Before you start or stop any medicine, we recommend that you speak with the doctor who is caring for you while you are pregnant.
Headache, Fever, Body Aches
Tylenol regular dose & Extra Strength Tylenol
DO NOT USE: Aspirin, Motrin, Advil (Ibuprofen), Aleve (unless specified by your healthcare provider)
Nausea
Emetrol
Try small frequent meals.
Ginger Ale, Vitamin B6, Sea Bands
Sweet fruit syrup from canned fruits, i.e. pears/peaches
Allergy Medication
Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl, Allegra, Alavert
*Claritin-D, *Alavert-D, *Zyrtec-D, *Allegra-D
*These medications should not be taken if you are being treated or have elevated blood pressure. Patients with elevated blood pressure may use Coricidin Hpb products to treat cold and allergy symptoms.
Cough
Robitussin, Robitussin DM, Cough Drops, Mucinex, Mucinex DM
Sore Throat
Tylenol, Salt Water Gargle, Sore Throat Lozenges, Chloraseptic Spray
Sinus Congestion
Sudafed (from pharmacist), Mucinex, Mucinex-D, Saline Mist Nasal Spray
Heartburn
Tums, Mylanta, Maalox, Pepcid AC, Prilosec OTC
Yeast Infections
Monistat 3 or 7 day treatment
Hemorrhoids
Preparation H, Tucks Pads, Anusol
Diarrhea
Imodium AD
Constipation
Senekot-S, Colace, Metamucil, Colace, Miralax
These medications should be taken with 1-2 glasses of water. They may be taken daily if needed. If no response with the above medication you may take:
Dulcolax tablets or suppositories (occasional use only), Milk of Magnesia
Schedule Your Appointment at Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology
The board certified OB/GYNs at Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology provide information about medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy. Call our women’s health clinic in Birmingham at (205) 933-8334 to schedule your appointment today!