Medications in Pregnancy

Generally, we try to reduce exposure to medications in pregnancy. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Many medications (including herbal remedies) have not had safety studies in pregnancy and will advise you to “ask your doctor”. When no studies have been done, it is usually best to avoid these medications during your pregnancy.

Over-The-Counter Medications that are considered Low Risk in Pregnancy

All medications have risks, but these are considered lower risk if you need them.

Nausea

Ginger
Gravol Ask your physician about Diclectin.
Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

Anemia (Low Iron causing Low Hemoglobin causing Fatigue)

Iron Supplement Chart (Ontario Midwives)

Heartburn, Gas and Bloating, Upset Stomach

Antacids for heartburn (Maalox, Rolaids, Tums) Simethicone for gas pains (Gas-X, Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylicon)

Cough or Cold

Guaifenesin, an expectorant (Mucinex, Naldecon Senior EX, Robitussin)
Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant (Benylin Adult, Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough, Vicks 44 Cough Relief)
Guaifenesin plus dextromethorphan (Benylin Expectorant, Robitussin DM, Vicks 44E)
Cough drops, Vicks VapoRub
Not safe to take: Cold remedies that contain alcohol The decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, which can affect blood flow to the placenta. Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

Pain relief, headache, and fever

Acetaminophen (Anacin Aspirin-Free, Tylenol)
Ibuprofen is not recommended.

Allergy relief

Loratadine, an antihistamine (Claritin)
Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine (Benadryl)

Constipation, hemorrhoids, and diarrhea

Psyllium (Konsyl-D, Metamucil, Modane Bulk, Perdiem)
Polycarbophil (Equalactin, Fiber-Lax, FiberNorm, Konsyl-Fiber, Mitrolan)
Methylcellulose (Citrucel, Unifiber)
Other laxatives and stool softeners (Colace, Dulcolax, Maltsupex, milk of magnesia)
Hemorrhoid creams (Anusol, Preparation H, Tucks)
Loperamide, anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium, Kaopectate II, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal, Pepto Diarrhea Control)

Insomnia

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Maximum Strength Unisom SleepGels, Nytol, Sominex)

Itching

Over-the-counter Hydrocortisone (Cortaid, Lanacort)

Cuts and scrapes

Polysporin
Water and Cleaning

Credit

This information is adapted from BabyCenter.com and based on information from:
Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Web site. www.otispregnancy.com, the US sister site to the Canadian site, Motherisk.org.
Please refer to MotheRisk and OTIS for information on drug safety in pregnancy.