OB Safe Medication List
When you are pregnant, you are naturally more concerned with medications and any effects they may have on you or your baby. This brief list includes common over-the-counter medications with history of safe use in pregnancy.
As always, we recommend using the lowest dose of medication to control symptoms and for the shortest amount of time. Always follow package instructions for dosing and do not exceed the maximum dose recommended.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your medication's safety during pregnancy, please call our office or request an appointment.
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Pain/Fever or Headache
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safest in pregnancy. Follow package instructions for taking.
Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen) and Aspirin should be avoided.
Nasal Congestion/Sinus
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine), Claritin-D and Zyrtec are safe for use in pregnancy.
Cough
Robitussin DM (dextromethorphan), Mucinex (guaifenesin) are safe for use in pregnancy.
Constipation
Prunes/Prune Juice, Metamucil (psyllium fiber), Colace (docusate) and Milk of Magnesia are safe for use in pregnancy.
Diarrhea
Pedialyte, fluids and a light diet is best for managing diarrhea. It is safe to take 1-2 doses of Imodium if needed. If diarrhea persists more than 2-3 days, please call the office.
Nausea/Heartburn
Peppermint gum/candy, Emetrol OTC Nausea Relief are good for mild nausea. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 10-25 mg taken three times daily is also helpful, especially when combined with Unisom (doxylamine) ½ or ¼ tablet. Tums/Rolaids (calcium carbonate) or Maalox/Mylanta (magnesium hydroxide/simethicone) are good for occasional mild heartburn. For more severe or recurrent heartburn, Zantac (ranitidine) 150 mg twice daily is safe.
Muscle/Leg Cramps
Epsom Salt soaks, heating pads and massage are safe in pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids
Preparation H Cream or Suppositories (hydrocortisone/pramoxine) as well as Tucks Pads (witch-hazel) are safe for use in pregnancy.
Yeast Infection
Monistat-3 (miconazole 3-day treatment) is safe for use in any trimester of pregnancy.
