Is Cough Medicine Safe While Pregnant? An OB/GYN’s Take

Learn on to see what healthcare specialists should say about taking cough drugs whereas pregnant, together with secure components to search for, potential unwanted effects, and sure merchandise they suggest.

Is it secure to take cough drugs whereas pregnant?

In brief, sure, it is secure to take sure varieties of cough drugs once you’re pregnant, Michelle Silver, MD, an inner drugs and primary-care physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, tells Nicely+Good.

However there are particular varieties which can be finest: “Cough medicines that comprise guaifenesin and dextromethorphan must be okay for a short while,” says Meleen Chuang, MD, the chief of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Hospital. This is a breakdown of the makes use of of each:

• Dextromethorphan: briefly relieves coughing and, in response to current research, is among the top-recommended cough treatments for people who find themselves pregnant.
• Guaifenesin: helps clear lung and chest congestion and can also be secure to eat whereas pregnant, in response to Dr. Silver.

Dr. Chuang recommends taking one to 2 doses for as-needed aid, together with attempting home remedies corresponding to heat showers, vapor rub, Vicks shower steamers ($26), or tea with honey and lemon.

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Which components will not be really useful?

With all of the above in thoughts, Dr. Chuang says there are nonetheless some varieties of cough medicines to keep away from. She recommends steering away from ones that comprise pseudoephedrine—a sort of nasal decongestant. Some frequent OTC meds that comprise this ingredient are Sudafed, sure varieties of Robitussin, and Mucinex D.

Pseudoephedrine may be harmful in being pregnant as a result of it might improve the danger of issues like “uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, and an elevated threat of extreme being pregnant issues,” Dr. Chuang provides. So, you’ll want to verify in together with your healthcare supplier earlier than taking these medicines.

There are doable unwanted effects and dangers

Whereas cough medicines that comprise dextromethorphan or guaifenesin are secure to soak up moderation, they will have unwanted effects that fluctuate from product to product, says Dr. Chuang. These unwanted effects may occur if you find yourself not pregnant, so maintain that in thoughts as you’re taking any kind of cough aid drugs at house. The National Library of Medicine notes frequent unwanted effects embody the next:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Restlessness
• Nervousness
• Nausea or abdomen ache
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Allergic reactions

Make sure you contact your healthcare supplier immediately for those who develop a rash or some other extreme and sudden unwanted effects after taking cough drugs. Additionally, for those who’re pregnant and have high blood pressure, it isn’t usually really useful to take cough drugs (particularly ones with pseudoephedrine) as they will increase your numbers. So, you’ll want to verify together with your supplier earlier than attempting it, says Dr. Silver.

OK, however what about cough drops?

In keeping with Dr. Chuang, cough drops are a secure different treatment to take whereas pregnant. She recommends searching for drops with easy, soothing components like peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, or honey—all of that are identified to appease a sore, itchy throat.

Simply keep in mind to verify cough drop labels to verify there are not any probably dangerous components—like pseudoephedrine—within the product. Should you’re ever uncertain, ask your healthcare supplier for particular suggestions.

5 cough medicines (or options) really useful by OB/GYNs

The subsequent time you are on the retailer or the pharmacy searching for one thing to nip your chilly within the bud, Dr. Chuang says the next merchandise are your finest wager:

1. Robitussin ($12): This drugs has each dextromethorphan and guaifenesin to skinny mucus and relieve cough. Simply ensure you are shopping for the kind that does not have pseudoephedrine.
2. Mucinex ($15): Plain Mucinex comprises guaifenesin to skinny mucus for extra productive coughing.
3. Benadryl ($14): Although it is usually used to alleviate allergy signs, Benadryl’s most important ingredient, diphenhydramine, might help with minor chilly signs, too.
4. Tylenol ($7): This drugs, also called acetaminophen, is a secure alternative for ache and fever administration.
5. Zarbee’s Baby Cough Syrup ($7): For a extra pure choice, this syrup comprises agave nectar and zinc to appease a cough and irritated throat.

Dr. Silver additionally recommends attempting a nasal decongestant spray like Vicks Sinex ($15) if it’s good to relieve coughing specifically. “Post-nasal drip causes coughing,” she says. “Nasal decongestant spray is among the simplest therapies for a cough as a result of it eases that post-nasal drip.”

When to see a healthcare supplier

Throughout being pregnant, it is at all times necessary to observe your well being rigorously. Whereas most cough and chilly signs are delicate and can usually go away on their very own, attain out to your healthcare supplier for those who expertise the following symptoms:

• Persistent excessive fever
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up thick, yellow-green phlegm
• Extreme dizziness or fainting
• Weight reduction
• Worsening signs regardless of taking remedy

And as talked about, attain out to your supplier immediately for those who expertise a rash or extreme, sudden unwanted effects after taking cough drugs, as this might point out an allergic response.

The ultimate takeaway

Cough drugs that comprises dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is usually secure to take whereas pregnant, together with different non-cough drugs choices like Tylenol and Benadryl for common chilly symptom aid. You can too take cough drops, so long as they do not comprise probably dangerous components like pseudoephedrine, which may improve your threat for sure being pregnant issues.

It is best to additionally incorporate pure cough cures once you’re feeling beneath the climate, together with consuming tea with lemon and honey, taking a heat bathe, or utilizing vapor rub, in response to specialists.

When doubtful a few remedy’s security throughout being pregnant, ask your healthcare supplier, who can provide customized therapy suggestions to make sure the security of you and your being pregnant.