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 |
