Pregnant women may safely take the following over-the-counter medications – following all the directions on the container for adult dosage/use. Generic substitutes are OK. If on other medications, consult your obstetrician before use. It is safe for pregnant women to take Tylenol/ Acetaminophen when taken according to the package directions.
At any time during your pregnancy, it is NOT OK to consume
DO NOT TAKE
If you have any further questions about a medication, be sure to ask your nurse or OB-GYN doctor.
| Problem | Over-the-Counter Medications | Call Your Obstetrician If You Have |
|---|---|---|
| Mild headaches/aches and pains | Tylenol (Acetaminophen) 325 mg- DO NOT exceed 3000 mg a day Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen) 500 mg -DO NOT exceed 3000mg a day |
Severe and/or persistent headaches |
| Nasal congestion due to a cold, sinusitis, or allergies |
Humidifier Not recommended in pregnancy unless approved by a doctor: pseudoephedrine |
|
| Cough due to a cold or minor throat irritation | Robitussin plain Robitussin DM (after first trimester) Vicks VapoRub Cough drops/Lozenges (sugar free if diabetic) |
Persistent cough |
| Sore throat | Alcohol-free lozenges | Severe or persistent sore throat |
| Heartburn | Tums Mylanta Maalox If above medications not effective, may try over the counter Pepcid as directed NO ZANTAC or PRILOSEC NO PEPTO-BISMOL |
No relief |
| Constipation | Metamucil Colace Milk of Magnesia Miralax |
Severe straining |
| Mild to moderate diarrhea | Imodium NO KAOPECTATE |
No relief |
| Gas | Gas-X (simethicone) | |
| Hemorrhoids | Anusol HC Chilled witch hazel packs Sitz bath Tucks Preparation H |
Bleeding or severe pain |
| Insomnia | Warm bath Warm milk Vitamin B6 (50 mg) Benadryl (25 mg) Tylenol PM Unisom, 1 tablet (25 mg) at bedtime |
|
| Nausea (morning sickness) | 5 to 6 small meals per day Peppermint Lifesavers or gum Ginger tablets (250-500mg two to three times a day) Vitamin B6 (10-25 mg three or four times a day) (up to 200 mg/day) Unisom (with DOXYLAMINE as the active ingredient) 1⁄2 tablet (12.5mg) 2 times daily or 1 tablet (25mg) at bedtime |
Persistent vomiting, weight loss, or inability to tolerate fluids for 24 hours |
| Yeast infections | OTC 7-day Monistat (more effective than 1- or 3-day course) | No relief – call for appointment to evaluate |
| Allergies | Afrin Nasal Spray (for 3 days only) Benadryl (may cause drowsiness) — check with MD first if hyperthyroid, blood pressure, asthma, bladder problems, or ulcers, Claritin plain Zyrtec plain |
|
| Sore muscles | Icy Hot Tylenol (Acetaminophen) 325mg Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen) 500 mg Heat pad |
