Safe Medications for Common Pregnancy Complaints

It's 2 a.m. and you've been up all night with cold symptoms. You wonder what is safe to take during your pregnancy and what you should avoid. Below is a list of the FDA categories for drug use during pregnancy, as well as a guide to safe medications for use with minor symptoms. As always, you should consult with your doctor or midwife before using any of the medications listed below.

Current Categories for Drug Use in Pregnancy

Category	Description
A	Adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown an increased risk of fetal abnormalities.
B	Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. or Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.
C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. or No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
D	Studies, adequate well-controlled or observational, in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy may outweigh the potential risk.
X	Studies, adequate well-controlled or observational, in animals or pregnant women have demonstrated positive evidence of fetal abnormalities. The use of the product is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/301_preg.html

Condition	Safe Medications to Take During Pregnancy*
Allergy	Benadryl
Cold and Flu	Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Tylenol Cold Warm salt/water gargle Saline nasal drops or spray Sudafed, Actifed, Dristan, Neosynephrine* Robitussin DM, Trind-DM, Vicks Cough Syrup, Romilar, Halls* *Do not take "SA" (sustained action) forms of these drugs or the "Multi-Symptom" forms of these drugs.
Constipation	Metamucil Citrucil Fiberall/Fibercon Colace Milk of Magnesia Senekot
Diarrhea	For 24 hours, only after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Immodium Parepectolin
First-Aid Ointment	J & J Bacitracin Neosporin
Headache	Tylenol (acetaminophen) Do not take aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, Naprosyn or Orudus KT
Heartburn	Maalox Mylanta Tums Riopan Titralac Gaviscon
Hemorrhoids	Preparation H Anusol Tucks Witch hazel
Nausea/ Vomiting	Vitamin B6 100 mg tablet Emetrol (if not diabetic) Emetrex Sea bands
Rashes	Hydrocortisone cream or ointment Caladryl lotion or cream Benadryl cream Oatmeal bath (Aveeno)
Yeast Infection	Monistat Terazol Do not insert applicator too far

Cleveland Clinic Health System

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.