Safe medications for pregnancy and lactation

Here are some suggested medications thought to be safe to take during pregnancy.

Pain/fever

Tylenol 650 mg every 4 hours as needed

* DO NOT take Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naproxen, or Aspirin or any product containing these drugs products unless directed to do so by your provider. Many women are directed to take loss-dose aspirin throughout their pregnancy as a preventive measure, and this is an exception to the above rule.

Nasal congestion

Sudafed* (Pseudoephedrine) 30-60 mg every 4-6 hours can be used in the second and third trimesters in women without hypertension. Avoid use in the first trimester and while breastfeeding.
Nasal Strips
Saline Nasal Spray

Sudafed* PE (Phenylephrine) should be avoided because of its uncertain efficacy and safety in pregnancy.

Allergies

Claritin (not Claritin D)
Zyrtec 10 mg daily
Benadryl 25 mg every 6-8 hours

Cough

Robitussin DM 2-4 teaspoons every 4-6 hours as needed
Dextromethorphan 10-20 mg every 4-6 hours as needed
May use sore throat or cough lozenges

Constipation

Fiber products: Metamucil, Citrucel, Fibercon, Benefiber
Laxatives: Milk of Magnesia, Correctal, Senokot, Miralax, Dulcolax

Stool softeners

Colace (Docusate): 1 tablet 2-3 times a day
Pericolace (Docusate + Sennosides): 1 tablet 1-3 times a day

Diarrhea

Imodium liquid or capsules. Use as directed

* DO NOT USE Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol

Gas

Simethicone (Mylicon, Gas- X) 80 mg 1-2 times a day

Heartburn

Tums: use as directed
Pepcid (20mg): may use 1-2 tablets twice a day (one of these doses can be before bedtime)
Mylanta: use as directed

Nausea & vomiting

Vitamin B6 (10 to 25 mg) three times daily
Sleep aids like Unisom ½ tablet 30 minutes before bedtime
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25 mg every 6 hours as needed daily
Sea-Bands
Ginger capsule

If these remedies are not helping, you may need a prescription medication from your doctor.

Insomnia

Benadryl 25- 50 mg before bedtime
Unisom

Hemorrhoids

Anusol, Tucks Pads
Preparation H
Witch Hazel
Warm Baths