Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.
Skip to main content

OTC Medications


 

Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy

Below is a list of treatments for common ailments which are considered to be safe in pregnancy. No medication has been shown to be 100% safe in pregnancy, so we recommend limiting treatment to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Never exceed the recommended dose on the label. Always read the label and active ingredients carefully, as brand names can change. Contact your provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

allergy

loratidine (Claritin)
cetirizine (Zyrtec)
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Nasacort or Flonase nasal spray

congestion

saline nasal spray (Ocean Spray)
azelastine nasal spray (Astelin)
pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) – AVOID IN 1ST TRIMESTER
chlorpheniramine (Clor-Trimetron)
Avoid all products with phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine.

constipation

fiber supplements (Metamucil, FiberCon, Benefiber)
docusate sodium (Colace)
senna (Senokot)
polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX)
milk of magnesia
Magnesium citrate
mineral oil (one ounce mixed in juice)

cough

guaifenesin (Robitussin, Mucinex)
dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, Delsym)
Always look for alcohol-free syrup.

diarrhea

loperamide (Imodium)

fever

acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Take 650 milligrams (mg) every four hours for temperature higher than 100.4 degrees F. If you have a fever for 12 hours, call your health care provider.

gas

simethicone (Gas-X)

heartburn

calcium carbonate (Tums, Titralac, Rolaids)
Do not exceed 2000mg/day
famotidine (Pepcid AC)
ranitidine (Zantac)

hemorrhoids

witch hazel (found in Tucks Wipes)
hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC)
phenylephrine + pramoxine (Preparation-H)

insomnia

doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs)
diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol PM)

nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness

ginger (tablets, capsules, candy, tea)
vitamin B6 – 25 mg four times per day
doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs) – ½ tab four times per day

pain

acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Take 650 to 1,000 mg every four hours as needed. Do not take more than 3,000 mg in 24 hours.
Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin).

sore throat

Chloraseptic lozenges (benzocaine) or spray (phenol) Do not take longer than two days
Halls or Robitussin lozenges (menthol)
Cepacol Maximum Strength Sore Throat Spray or Sucrets lozenges (dyclonine hydrochloride

yeast infection

miconazole (Monistat-7)
You can also take probiotics to help prevent yeast infections – ask your provider which supplements are recommended

Our Locations

Choose your preferred location